Sir Trevor Chinn appointed chair of Mayor's Fund for London

Boris Johnson has announced that Sir Trevor Chinn has been appointed as chair of the Mayor’s Fund for London. The Mayor made the announcement during the State of London Debate.

Sir Trevor Chinn is a high profile businessman whose dynamic career includes being Chairman of businesses from the RAC, to the AA and Kwik Fit.

He is recognised for his tireless commitment to charitable work which has included chairing the Variety Club of Great Britain, the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme, and the Wishing Well Appeal for Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Mayor Boris Johnson said: “The Mayor's Fund for London will be a charity that aims to get money from the wealth-creating sector to communities across London that are facing hardship.

"London is a truly great prosperous city but there are immense pockets of deprivation throughout the capital, which cannot be ignored. The Mayor’s Fund will help provide support and engagement to these communities, particularly targeting disaffected young people.

"Funding distributed will be in addition to LDA and Government funding, including the £79 million pledged for youth clubs in London.

“There has never been a better time to reach out to young people and make a real difference by offering them positive choices, opportunities, and training that could shape and influence their future.

"Vulnerable youngsters can be easily lured into gangs and criminal activity. This Fund is about putting young people on the right path and I am immensely honoured that Sir Trevor Chinn has agreed to be Chair. ”

Sir Trevor Chinn said: “Areas of London suffer some of the worst economic and social deprivation in Britain, robbing young people of the opportunities they deserve. We must ensure that young people get help and support so as to turn a poverty of aspiration into positive expectations and a better life.

"I am sure that many people in London will want to help the Mayor’s Fund make a real difference.  I am excited to be the Chairman of this very worthwhile project encouraging Londoners to help Londoners.”

The Mayor’s Fund will formally launch in late 2008 as an independent charitable company targeting corporates and high net worth individuals as well as recruiting Londoners to contribute their time and skills.

Corporates or individuals who contribute will have insight into the sophistication of the Fund’s strategy and its intellectually robust progress.

Other confirmed trustees who will be: Lesley King-Lewis, Stanley Fink, Wasfi Kani and Sir John Beckwith.

The trustees are responsible for the careful distribution of funds raised. The Mayor's Fund will supplement established work in London's third sector by distributing additional funds to successful programmes.