We first became involved with this charity after hearing the passion of its founder, Joe Russo.

 

Joe was born in Manchester and moved to Derby 20 years ago to work as a carpenter. Shortly after arriving at his new home in the Allenton area he confronted a pair of teenage boys he caught stealing lead from the roof of a local building.  When he asked them “What would your father think?” their reply "He wouldn’t care, he is in jail for armed robbery" shocked him.

 

Joe realised how young lives were being destroyed due the lack of the parental support he had taken for granted. He set about helping the local youngsters of his adopted city, many of whom were gang members and victims of terrible social depravation, with parents for whom drugs, crime and prostitution were normal parts of everyday life.

 

The Enthusiasm Trust has grown into a real force for social change. Many of the staff were former victims and now act as positive role models for others. In particular they work to discourage gang culture, focusing attention on “at risk” youngsters.

 

Our 2012 Christmas card donation was passed to the charity and we are planning a programme of sponsored events and arranging wageroll charitable giving, as well as offering our office space for their group meetings.

 

We have also nominated The Enthusiasm Trust for a contribution from the Aviva Broker Community Fund, which offers UK Insurance Brokers the opportunity to put forward local community causes and we wait to hear if they will win an award.