'We'll fundraise without chuggers'

Thursday 26th April 2012

A charity has taken a tongue-in-cheek look at the use of street fundraisers, so-called chuggers, in a promotional video for its work.

Forever Manchester's two-minute film gently mocks the city's Market Street chuggers and shows the main character dismissing the direct debit-collecting street fundraisers, instead choosing himself a quiet space next to the Piccadilly Fountains and starting to dance, Madchester style, complete with a donations tin.

The film is designed to show that Forever Manchester does things differently as it raises money to support communities across Greater Manchester.

Nick Massey, chief executive of Forever Manchester, said: "We really wanted to get across that we do things differently, the Mancunian way. Yes, we are a charity and we need donations, but we aim to get them by being entertaining and tapping into people's passion for where they live, not by harassing people for direct debits in the street. If people love Manchester, then they will get what we're all about and want to put something back."

The film made in Piccadilly Gardens features cameos from Rowetta, and The Rainband frontman Martin Finnegan, a long-time supporter of the charity.

Mr Massey said: "This video was produced by Manchester creatives, starring Manchester people, in key Manchester locations using a track by a Manchester band.

"It's all done with a Manc sense of humour and a bit of a swagger, and we hope that people will click through and enjoy it."

The video was made by Manchester firms Transmission Creative and Visual Collective. To watch it, visit http://www.forevermanchester.com/video.

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