Digby Brown Glasgow office competes in dance off for local charity

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Jan Laidler, HR Advisor in our Glasgow office, has been taking part in a dance-off for JMA Trust - their new local charity partner for 2020.

The JMA Trust is a small family-run charity that supports underprivileged families and communities whether the issue is related to health, education, employment or sport. It was set up in 2014 to mark the legacy of John Maurice Aitken (with whom the charity honours in its name) who battled lymphoma before tragically passing away at the age of 23.

Like most charities, JMA Trust has seen its fundraising events cancelled or postponed due to COVID-19. But as a way to adapt with a safe ‘work from home’ way to highlight causes, the charity came up with their social media challenge: JMA’KIN Me Dance Off.

This was a four-week competition with themed dance offs going live on the JMA Facebook page every Friday. The public then voted to decide who was kept in the competition for the next again week.

It only cost £1 to cast a vote and when the dance scores and funds were tallied, the JMA Trust was stunned to realise the JMA’KIN Me Dance Off raised an incredible £9,867. 

The four rounds included a “back to the 90’s” where Jan performed the classic dance to the Steps hit Tragedy.

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JMA charity Dance Off - Jan Laidler from Digby Brown video from first round

For the “Night at the Movies” round she recreated an iconic scene from film Risky Business.

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JMA charity Dance Off - Jan Laidler from Digby Brown video from second round

The third round was “Rock’n’Roll” themed and Jan danced along to the Elvis classic Jailhouse Rock.

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JMA charity Dance Off - Jan Laidler from Digby Brown video from third round

The fourth and final round was “Freestyle” where Jan danced along to Dua Lipa, Let’s Get Physical.

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Jan Laidler from her JMA charity Dance Off Final video

Despite not making it into the top three in the final, Jan did get a special mention from celebrity judge Amy Irons for best costume.

Annmarie Rocks, CSR Manager for Digby Brown said: “This was a great opportunity to start fundraising for JMA. Jan did an amazing job and it was great to see the office get behind the event and brighten up our weekends while raising funds for a great local charity.”

Claire Aitken, who is John’s sister and Trustee for JMA Trust said: “We are now in our into our sixth year as a charity, and we have already refined our approach to supporting groups so that we can have the most effective impact possible. It is so humbling being able to see first-hand the difference that this funding makes for individuals. 

“As rewarding as this is, we know that it would not be possible without the support of everyone who goes above and beyond for the JMA. Whether taking part in events, supporting others or helping to raise awareness of who we are and what we do, it all makes a difference."

All the dances can be found on the JMA Trust Facebook page.