Charity Radio Manager Steps Out with Family for Edinburgh Kiltwalk
RNIB Connect Radio Manager Kris Wallace sits smiling in the radio booth.
The manager of an award-winning charity radio station is keeping it in the family and taking part in Scotland's largest mass participation walking event.
Kris Wallace, Operations Manager at RNIB Connect Radio, will take on the Edinburgh Kiltwalk on Sunday, September 14, joined by his wife Fiona and seven-year-old daughter JessicaJane, who inspired the family’s fundraising effort for RNIB. They will also be joined by other family members on the tartan-clad journey.
The Kiltwalk is a popular, multi-city fundraising event where people across Scotland walk for the causes closest to their hearts. For the Wallace family, supporting RNIB was an easy choice.
“It was actually my daughter, JessicaJane who is only 7, who came up with the idea,” Kris explains. “She hears me talk about the impact of RNIB when I get home from work every day and listens to the stories from the blind & partially sighted community broadcast on RNIB Connect Radio when I'm at home.
“Inspired by these stories, she wanted to find a way to raise money for the work RNIB does and decided that the Edinburgh Kiltwalk was a great opportunity. She gathered multiple members of the family to join us, we got our JustGiving pages set up, our tartan kilts and skirts bought... and she now can't wait to see how much money we can raise!”
Kris has worked for RNIB Connect Radio in various roles since 2011 and says his experience at the station made it an easy decision to get involved.
“I've worked for RNIB in different roles for almost 15 years, and in that time I've seen how people affected by sight loss have fought for their community with every tool at their disposal, from campaigns to services to fundraising and legacies. RNIB has not only given me a career, it has given me lifelong friends who have shown me that sight loss need not be the thing that stops you living a full and independent life.
“RNIB Connect Radio is broadcast 24/7 365 days of the year, and all of our shows are presented by blind or partially sighted hosts who are absolute professionals, who refuse to let sight loss get in the way of following their passion. I never back away from a chance to raise money for such an incredible charity who put the needs of blind and partially sighted people at the heart of everything they do.”
As for what they hope to achieve, Kris says:
“Jess wants to make a real difference for people affected by sight loss and hopes to smash her fundraising goals. Personally I want to raise some serious funds for the amazing work that RNIB does every single day. It's my way of saying a massive 'thank you' and helping RNIB continue their crucial mission.”
He also highlights why fundraising is vital:
“Working for the charity I understand that every single donation, small or large, helps RNIB continue their incredible work supporting people with sight loss. The generosity of those who take part in Kiltwalks, or any fundraising activity, or provide a gift in their will, or even those who donate a couple of quid in a Sooty Box can fund vital services, provide essential equipment, and offer a lifeline to those who need it most.”