Wickers Charity to raise money in advance of knife amnesty to tackle knife crime

On September 13, The Wickers Charity is hosting a fun-day full of games and obstacles to fundraise for the charity to help tackle knife crime next month at the Memorial Ground, East London.

With stats sadly still showing a rise in knife crime – 7% year on year, charities such as The Wickers are bridging the gap where there is a lack of funding from government and local authorities to help educate youths and provide a viable alternative to gang culture.

Aside from the zombie knife amnesty, not much is actually being done to minimise knife crime across London, which is why the work of charities such as The Wickers is so important.

This year sees the fifth instalment of what is now an annual fun day, called It’s a Knock Out Challenge. Up to 10 people can enter in a team at a suggested donation cost of £1,500. This includes food, drinks and eligibility to enter and compete in the games.

Last year saw Stirling Ackroyd win the challenge on September8 at The East Ham Rugby Club.

Fundraising Manager, Brogan Garrit-Smith comments: “It was an action-packed fun day filled with laughter, obstacles and competitive spirit. Food, refreshments, and sweet treats were all available on the day and we were grateful to have an array of companies signing up to participate in this event with over 100 attendees all ready to take a shot at winning the cup!”

Brogan’s father, Henry Smith, a businessman and philanthropist, has been directly affected by the consequences of knife crime in London so founded the charity in 2018. From his own personal experiences Henry decided he wanted to create a charity that would provide free after school activities to the community, offer support and services to schools, and deliver employability workshops and programmes.

The charity believes in supporting young people regardless of social status, race, religion or postcode. No child should feel the need to carry or use a knife. Nor should they have to engage in anti-social behaviour in the pursuit of money and opportunity.

With knife crime offences having risen by 81% over the last decade and 7% year on year, according to ONS, it’s crucial that charities like this step and help until the government addresses the issue before we lose many more lives to the sad incidents of knife and gang crime like Brogan’s uncle.