OUR WORK
HOW THE CHARITY STARTED
Bruce Green is a dedicated philanthropist and for many years has supported local charities in Northamptonshire. Bruce is also a film critic for BBC Radio.
Twenty plus years ago, Bruce was at a cinema together with a young family who were in the front row. Their little autistic boy became very excited and also vocal. Other Theatre goers sent for the Manager who asked the parents to calm the little boy – but the family chose to leave – with tears all round.
Bruce thought there had to be a better way for all to enjoy the collective therapy of films.
So working closely with Cineworld, he would hire a fleet of coaches and at Christmas, transport children from local special needs schools to have collective fun – and lots of popcorn – courtesy of all the Cineworld staff.
The happy and generous collaboration with the group continued for many years and in 2018 the Foundation was formed to expand the work to other towns.
OUR WORK
Expanding upon Bruce’s work, the Bruce Green Foundation has now taken over 20,000 children and young people to the cinema – that’s an awful lot of popcorn!
The Covid-19 pandemic meant the Foundation had to adapt to the changing times. We are now focused on taking the Cinema experience to the schools.
With our top of the range, huge inflatable screen, high powered laser projector and sound bar, we set up a true Cinema experience at a school. The children vote for their film choice and within the safety and comfort of an environment they know, whilst of course munching their way through the boxes and boxes of popcorn, courtesy of the Foundation.
Whilst the aim of these visits is to give the children a wonderful time, the films we choose always have either an inspiring storyline, or an important lesson within the plot. Role models and film characters are important for a child’s development, and they can find courage, resolve and very often bravery to face their own problems. Just by relating to a character.
The purpose of The Bruce Green Foundation - to create opportunities for children to smile, laugh and be inspired, also to boost their confidence to tackle whatever problems they may be facing now and in later life.
Put simply, the Foundation takes children and young adults from challenging home and educational backgrounds and gives them a chance to experience collective entertainment, to gain confidence and to reignite smiles. Now that’s a great idea!
HOW YOU CAN HELP
By a donation which will enable us to take many more children and young people to see a movie or a show - enjoy themselves, gain confidence AND SMILE.