The Imps a charity based in east London that helps children, many from disadvantaged backgrounds, taking them off the street and into a disciplined military-like environment through a motorcycle display team consisting of children aged 5 to 16 has been saved by the backing of the two former riders and their respective businesses.
Two months ago the team was destined for closure after losing its financial support and sponsors with £36,000 was needed to save the team.
To help plug the financial gap the Imps launched a crowdfunding campaign which raised over £18,000.
Then with days to go two former members of the Imps dug deep into their own pockets to make up the necessary funds. The Imps now have a brand new fleet of shiny motorcycles to start the season.
The Chief Executive of JBW, Jamie Waller, was an Imp from the age of 5 until he was 16 and he was only too pleased to put together the deal which saw his JBW Group and Graham Dodridge’s Silver step in and become title sponsors for the 2015 and 2016 seasons.
The Imps display team will be re-branded “Imps – powered by JBW and Silver”.
Commenting on the deal, Waller said: “how could anyone stand by and watch 45 years of hard work and hundreds of children’s futures be ruined. Through the generosity of JBW, Silver and 90 other donors that have pledged money through Crowdfunder we have saved the Imps. Today is a happy day for all of us.”
Roy Pratt MBE, Team founder and Director commenting on the generosity said: “we have had 45 successful years putting on displays all over the world and up and down the length of the UK. In the process of doing this we have developed thousands of children into confident young adults. The fact that it’s these very ex-Imps that have saved our future puts a huge lump in my throat. Jamie and Graham, through their very successful businesses JBW Group and Silver , have today saved the Imps.”
Now the Imps are back in business, with new bikes, spares and a refreshing brand ready to start the 2015 season.
The Imps crowdfunding campaign is still accepting donations at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/imps-motocycle-display-team-for-young-children
