Alloy Wire International names Up and Downs as latest charity beneficiary

2 mins read

UK-based nickel alloy wire manufacturer Alloy Wire International (AWI) has chosen Ups and Downs, a charity that supports children with down syndrome, as its latest beneficiary.

Alloy Wire International names Up and Downs as latest charity beneficiary

The company has donated over $55,000 as part of its 'Wired for Good' campaign to help host local community groups and organisations. 

Ups and Downs provides more than 60 families across Birmingham, the Black Country and Worcestershire with access to peer-to-peer support and subsidised activities that a child with DS may not get in a mainstream setting.

The charity's co-founder Jemma Sagar also offers heavily subsidised training with Jemma being a qualified Makaton Tutor. This is crucial as many of the children will have communication difficulties and introducing them to sign at a young age is crucial, as is involving parents and the grandparents.

“When I received the phone call from AWI I was in utter shock – it was very overwhelming,” explained Diane Hughes, co-founder of Ups and Downs whose DS 15-year-old son Sam is a brilliant swimmer and a massive Wolves fan.

“Like lots of charities, we were hit hard during the pandemic and we had to give up our office due to rising costs and sadly had to cancel some of the big events we had planned.”

Sagar added: “Thankfully we now have our hub at a great dance studio and this money from Alloy Wire International will help us subsidise some of the fantastic activities we’ve got arranged, including a Glow up Disco, a private Breakfast with Santa at The Swan Inn at Upton Warren and a FunTime Theatre panto for lots of families.

“It will also ensure we can continue our monthly get-togethers. These are a friendly and welcoming space for parents to come together, to talk, share experiences and challenges. 

“All our children have their own personalities and different requirements. For instance, whilst Diane’s son is big into his football my lad Harry is a competitive ballroom and Latin dancer.

“We’re here for everyone and we know the difference this type of peer-to-peer support can make.”

Up and Downs is Alloy Wire International’s 10th donation as part of its ‘Wired for Good’ campaign, which it launched two years ago to mark its 75th birthday.

AWI has helped other charities including: Guide Dogs, Fisher House, Sands, Mary Stevens Hospice, the Chris Westwood Charity for Children with Physical Disabilities, the Giving Hands Mission, Acorns Children’s Hospice, and male mental health help group ‘Tough Enough to Care’.

Tom Mander, Managing Director of AWI, said: “Up and Downs gives so many families a vital lifeline to work through the challenges they face and, importantly, the opportunity to enjoy so many new opportunities.

“We always like to fund charities close to where our staff live and work – we also know this £5k is going to make such a difference. It’s also fitting that a group just a few miles from our factory is our 10th ‘Wired for Good’ recipient.”