Fifteen years of Extraordinary Service - Thank You Craig McHugh
After more than fifteen years of dedicated service as an employee of One In A Million Charity, today marks Craig McHugh's final day in a role that has helped transform the organisation from its humble beginnings.
For many, Craig has become synonymous with One In A Million. Long before the charity's first activity in May 2006, he was part of the group of friends who dreamed of creating something different for Bradford District's children and young people. From those early conversations between Matthew Band and Wayne Jacobs (OIAM's Co-Founders), Craig became one of the charity's very first volunteers, later serving as a Trustee before joining the staff team in 2011. Over the next fifteen years, he helped transform the charity's reach, reputation and sustainability.
As Executive Director of Corporate Partnerships, Events and Sponsorship, Craig built lasting relationships across the business community and led fundraising initiatives that have generated more than £5 million to support One In A Million's work with children and young people.
This included the Corporate Partners Programme, which in turn inspired the World of Work (WOW) programme. Craig's vision was simple: connect young people with local businesses and give them first-hand experiences of the workplace. Today, hundreds of young people have benefited from WOW and the Career Expos.
Whether cycling hundreds of miles, climbing mountains, organising gala dinners, delivering presentations or standing in the rain at fundraising events, Craig never asked others to do what he wasn't prepared to do himself. His enthusiasm, humour and willingness to lead from the front became hallmarks of his service.
Mark Hughes, Charity Executive, said: “Thank you, Craig, for giving One In A Million countless moments we'll never forget, and a legacy of relationships, opportunity and transformed lives that will outlive us all. You haven't just helped build One In A Million from the very beginning, you've become part of its story”.
Yet Craig's greatest legacy cannot be measured simply in pounds raised, events delivered or programmes established. It is found in the relationships he has built, the volunteers he has inspired, the businesses he has engaged with, and above all, the thousands of children and young people whose lives have been positively shaped through the opportunities the charity has helped to create.
Wayne Jacobs, CEO of One In A Million Charity, said: "Craig has been extraordinary for One In A Million for over two decades and in particular as an employee these past fifteen years. His determination and unwavering commitment has helped shape the charity into what it is today. His contribution has been immense, and while today marks the end of his employment, we are delighted that this is not goodbye”.
While Craig's fifteen years as an employee come to a close today, his One In A Million story is far from over. We are delighted that his journey will continue as a One In A Million Ambassador, where his passion, wisdom and friendship will continue to enrich our charity while championing our mission and inspiring partners, supporters and friends for many years to come.
From everyone at One In A Million - Trustees, staff, volunteers, corporate partners, supporters and the thousands of children and young people whose lives you have impacted.