Shine Mail: A letter from Todd
Photo by Jonny Gios on Unsplash
Hello Lovely People—
When I was young, I loved the walk to the mailbox, and after moving to England some years later, I still found it exciting to peek into the hallway to see if anything had dropped under the letter box. Every time I was filled with anticipation, excitement, and curiosity because I might get a letter, a postcard, or a package slip. To that end, this is the first in an occasional series I’m calling Shine Mail-- it's my letter, sometimes a postcard, to you.
Like the letters we used to get in the mail, the topics I’ll write about will be wide ranging and related to my experience as a co-founder of this place we imagined, built, and now run as an example of how business can be so much more than profit.
To kick things off, I want to share a couple of stories about two Shiners, Tutti Frutti and Bellbrooke Surgery. These folks are ‘doing the work’.
If you're not aware, Tutti Frutti is a renowned children’s theatre company—seriously good. While their performances are often around the country and even the world, their office is tucked upstairs in the front right corner of Shine. There is so much they do, but I want to tell you about their performances at Shine. Yes, Shine transforms into a theatre once a year! For nearly 10 years, Tutti-Frutti have given performances in Shine, like the current hit Jack Frost and the Search for Winter, to what is likely over 3,000 children in Harehills. If you are lucky enough to be here on performance days, you will know the joy of watching so many small humans walk into Shine with faces aglow in anticipation. Love it!
The backstory on why we host theatre at Shine is heartbreakingly simple. In our search for a way to support Harehills Primary School back in 2009, we discovered they had the budget for attending the theatre in Leeds City Centre, but lacked the resources for transport. A plan was hatched with our then new tenant, Tutti Frutti, to have the children walk down from school to Shine for a performance each year. A lot of smiling, giggling, rambunctious, happy, spellbound children.
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From a longtime Shine alumnus to one of our freshman, Bellbrooke Surgery. It's clear already, they are not your run of the mill GP surgery. For starters, they seem extremely well organised (reassuringly so!) and they are paying attention to their environment. The HQ team joined us earlier this year and realised there was a need on their doorstep. In response, they set up a Refugee Cafe on Fridays (10-12pm), where support and a cuppa is provided to local refugees free of charge in our upstairs cafe. The first week a single person showed up. The following week it was a couple of people, and now the word is spreading more people are finding their way to the cafe. Inspired by their work, we added Shine to the Warm Places list this winter where those seeking a warm environment can also get a hot drink and support.
Neither of these organisations shout about the work they are doing—they just do it. These are not massive initiatives, but they are all pieces of a larger puzzle. They’re making a big difference in people's lives. So, if you see the folks from Tutti Frutti or BellBrooke Surgery around the Shine, please thank them. It always feels good to be recognised.
I hope these stories have made you smile or lifted your spirits in some way. Maybe they’ve inspired you. Regardless, I do hope you are well, and if you want to write back to me you can always hit the reply button—and your message will go straight into my inbox.
Well, I must bring this letter to a close and get on with the rest of my day. I’ll drop you another letter when I get a chance. Until then, wishing you all the best.
Peace,
Todd
Ps. I listen to all kinds of music, and I do mean all kinds. I recently reaquainted myself with Dead Letter Office by R.E.M. --Worth mentioning as it sounds as great today as it did way back then -- full of indy energy. One of my favourite songs of all time is by R.E.M. -- Nightswimming. Sorry, I really must go...see you later.