Our trustees are vital to the mission and impact Magic Breakfast. Not only do their expertise and guidance help us make the best decisions for the organisation, but, most importantly, for children and young people across the UK. We simply couldn’t do our work without them!
To gain insight into the life of a trustee, we caught up with our wonderful Chair of the Board of Trustees, Aniela Shuckburgh! Aniela has been with us for 5 years, she is incredibly experienced with over 20 years working in the not-for-profit education sector. She embodies the Magic Breakfast values and we’re incredibly proud to have her as part of the team.
Whether it’s the staff and trustees, the teachers at our partner schools or our funders, it is wonderful being part of a community of people so committed to ensuring every child and young person has a good start to the day.”
Aniela, how did you get introduced to Magic Breakfast? What drew you to the cause?
I feel like Magic Breakfast has always been on my radar. I have spent my career working in the education and social mobility sector and came across Magic Breakfast’s amazing work often. I love the simplicity and cost-effectiveness of the model. Give a child or young person a nutritious breakfast and watch them thrive!
Do you have a memory that has stayed with you since working with Magic Breakfast?
Two of my children and I ran the Santa Run for Magic Breakfast a few years ago, which was great fun and very comical! But school visits are the highlight of my Magic Breakfast experience – happy faces eating bowls of porridge, baked bean toasties or a warm slice of toast and then rushing off to the classroom to start learning is magical.
What’s your favourite part about being a trustee for Magic Breakfast?
The people, whether it’s the staff and trustees, the teachers at our partner schools or our funders, it is wonderful being part of a community of people so committed to ensuring every child and young person has a good start to the day.
What are challenges do you think organisations in this sector face?
Child poverty is a growing problem in the UK and I worry that it is becoming normalised, which has the effect of broader society both losing interest in this crisis and creating a sense of despondence. The challenge for our sector is to continue to make the case for change, so future generations of children and young people in this country don’t know what it feels like to have an empty tummy in the morning.
What would your advice be to future Magic Breakfast trustee?
Being a trustee is a privilege and provides the opportunity to connect with causes and organisations in a very meaningful way. It can feel like a big responsibility, but I would urge people from all ages and backgrounds to think about becoming a trustee. We welcome all different experiences, backgrounds, and skills to help us build a diverse and inclusive board. You don’t need to have experience as a trustee – we’re all learning!
Finally, we have to ask…what’s your favourite breakfast?
I have an American father and an Indian mother, so I have to choose two! Either pancakes with maple syrup and bacon, or an aloo paratha! And coffee!
Are you interested in becoming a member of our Board of Trustees at Magic Breakfast? Join us in our mission to end morning hunger as a barrier to learning for children and young people in the UK. Find out more.
