Tag Archives: Fundraising

Business, Charity Events, Charity News

Charity Cath raises thousands for cancer

Swansea’s Catherine Robinson, account executive at Howden’s south Wales office, has raised £4,833 for multiple cancer care charities since April 2023.

Starting with the London Marathon in 2023, Catherine raised £3,453 for Young Lives vs Cancer. The following year, she ran the 2024 Edinburgh Marathon for the same charity, raising £1,130 and additionally raised £250 for Macmillan Cancer Support through taking part in its Marathon Hike in July of this year.

Catherine will be running the London Marathon once again to raise funds for Young Lives vs Cancer in April 2025.

On why fundraising for these charities is so important to her, Catherine said: “I am in true amazement of Young Lives vs Cancer and their work. When completing the London Marathon in 2023, I was greeted by an inspiring young volunteer who had a terminal brain tumour, and this was the moment I knew I had to help the charity as much as I could. The charity has given me so much support both in mindset of running 26.2 miles and raising the funds.

“My fundraising for Macmillan was more of a personal story. My mam beat cancer in 2021 under the support of Macmillan, but we sadly then lost my stepdad suddenly to cancer in June 2023. So, when my friend asked me to do the marathon hike this year which fell on my stepdad’s birthday, I knew I couldn’t say no. While this was emotional to complete on such an important date, it was an honour to give something back to the charity and play a part in helping those who need it in the future.

Catherine’s boss Gary Stevens, Regional Managing Director at Howden Wales, said: “We are incredibly proud and in awe of Catherine and everything she has managed to do for these charities. We support her every step of the way and strongly encourage anyone who can to donate via her Enthuse page. We wish her all the best with London 2025.”

You can support Catherine’s fundraising for Young Lives vs Cancer here.

News

Sparkle Walk returns to north Cardiff this autumn

A charity walk will allow memories of loved ones to sparkle and shine as it returns to north Cardiff for a fifth year this September.

City Hospice’s Sparkle Walk, a night-time 10km walk, will see supporters stroll from Insole Court, Llandaff to City Hospice, Whitchurch and back. At the 5km mark, participants will have the chance to leave a heartfelt message for a loved one in the hospice’s memory garden.

Walkers will also be able to highlight their loved ones throughout the route by personalising their specially produced Sparkle Walk t-shirts. The walk is suitable for families, friends, colleagues and children over the age of eight, though anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult.

The funds raised by the Sparkle Walk will support the work of City Hospice, the only provider of home-based specialist palliative care in the capital. In addition to providing care and services including welfare advice and complementary therapies to patients with terminal or life limiting illnesses, the charity offers counselling and support services for their patients’ families.

This year’s Sparkle Walk is being sponsored by NFU Mutual Newport, an organisation that has been supporting people, families and businesses for over 110 years with services such as financial planning, insurance and risk management.

Gareth Griffiths, Partner at NFU Mutual Newport, said: “A few years ago, I saw first-hand just how amazing hospice care can be; not just for your loved one but for yourself too. The care and support they provide to both the patient and family makes the most unbearable time in your life just that little bit easier.

“I am proud, along with my colleagues at NFU Mutual Newport, to support City Hospice and the Sparkle Walk this year. It is an amazing event, bringing people together from all over the city. The most helpful thing I did to get through the loss of my mum was to share her story and listen to others who have been through the same. I’m looking forward to hearing people share their stories and support each other through conversation on a beautiful walk in Cardiff.”

Mac Smith, Fundraising and Events Manager at City Hospice, said: “We can’t wait to sparkle through the streets of north Cardiff again this September. It’s a joyous way to remember loved ones and allow our memories of them to shine in the community.

“We are thrilled to have NFU Mutual Newport on board this year and thank them for their generous support of the Sparkle Walk which is now in its fifth year.”

For further information, visit https://www.cityhospice.org.uk/get-involved/upcoming-events/sparkle-walk-2024/

Charity & CSR, News, Recruitment News, South East

Holt Recruitment Conquer ZigZag to Everest Challenge and Raise over £7,000 for Home-Start Wessex

Holt Recruitment, based in Bournemouth, took on an epic fundraising challenge this May. Using Bournemouth zigzags, they decided to scale Mouth Everest in a day, walking 8,849 metres to the ‘summit’, in aid of Home-Start Wessex, a charity that does incredible work to support local families in need.

Every year, the team at Holt Recruitment pushes their limits for a great cause. They have completed a 24-hour marathon, rowed around Britain and cycled the Tour de France. This year, they went bigger than ever before. The team embarked on their ascent to the summit of Everest at 8 a.m., and by 2 p.m., every team member had conquered yet another monumental Holt Challenge. Even Harry Redknapp sent a message of support, wishing the team the very best for their charity walk.

Owner Stuart Holt said, “We Did It! We’re thrilled to announce that we’ve completed our yearly charity challenge and raised a total of £7,230 for the incredible charity Home-Start Wessex.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported us along the way, from generous donations to those who joined us on the day to cheer us on. For some of the team, it was the hardest thing they have ever done, going up and down the zigzags over fifty times. It was difficult, but I am incredibly proud of the team for persevering. The support we received made all the difference.

Together, we’ve made a real impact in supporting families and children in need through Home-Start Wessex. Everyone’s contributions will go a long way in making a positive difference in our community. Despite some very sore legs and tired bodies, we’re overjoyed with our achievement and deeply honoured to have rallied support for this remarkable charity.”

Charity, Community News, Driving, Liverpool, Transport

Britannia Taxis supports disadvantaged youth with latest community donations

BRITANNIA Taxis, Liverpool’s leading private hire operator, is stepping up to support disadvantaged youth in the local community through the Funded by Veezu programme.

Britannia is a regional hub of the UK’s fastest growing private hire technology platform, Veezu, and is supporting Tribe Dance School and Brins Gym to empower disadvantaged youth.

Tribe Dance School, founded in September 2023 by Becky Middleton, hosts acro, ballet, tap and commercial dance classes for children aged 2-11 alongside an adult’s dance class in Roby Community Centre, a Big Help building.

Britannia Taxis has donated £800 to fund dance classes for children from low-income households who otherwise cannot afford to attend, and sponsors one young dancer in particular to progress and attend free classes.

Becky said: “We’re so grateful to Britannia for their support, allowing children from all backgrounds to be able to participate in dance.

“I set up this school after running another class with a friend for over 10 years, before her passing last year. Lots of people reached out with fond memories and great experiences of the class, so I set up Tribe in honour of her and with the hope to help more children grow and develop. Britannia’s kind donation will ensure that nobody is left out.”

Britannia Taxis has also donated £1000 to Brins Gym, a local boxing club that works with young people at risk of antisocial behaviour. The donation will go towards the purchase of a new kit for the gym’s 50th anniversary.

In addition to its donation, Britannia sponsored the Gym’s anniversary boxing show at Rainhill Ex-Services Club which took place on April 19 and welcomed young people from across the Northwest to box against each other.

Andrew Robinson, Coach at Brins Gym and Veezu driver-partner, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Veezu for its ongoing support at such an exciting time for us. Our gym is an important place for so many people as our number one priority is to empower disadvantaged children and keep them on track.

“The best part of running the gym is witnessing how many people we have been able to welcome over the last 50 years, and the difference it has made in the community. With Veezu’s support, our event was a huge success, and the future for Brins Gym looks very bright.”

Rosanna Hynes, Hyperlocal Marketing Manager for Britannia Taxis, said: “Being a local provider, supporting our local community is at the heart of what we do. Both groups do life-changing work in supporting disadvantaged young people and have incredible stories to tell; it’s a privilege to lend our support wherever we can. We are very much looking forward to what the future holds for both these organisations.”

Driving, Transport

Aqua Cars helps combat holiday hunger with charity donation

 Aqua Cars, Portsmouth’s leading private hire operator, has donated £500 to the local arm of Cash for Kids for its Cash for Kids Day on 2 May.

Acquired by Veezu earlier this year, Aqua Cars stepped in to donated through the Funded by Veezu initiative, where local residents, charities and sports teams can apply for funding and grants, set up to improve the communities in which Veezu operates.

Cash for Kids supports children and young people affected by poverty, abuse, neglect, life-limiting illness and those with additional needs. Based across 22 areas in the UK, Cash for Kids is a grant giving charity that helps community groups, charitable organisations, schools and individual cases. The latest figures from the End Child Poverty Coalition show that 1 in 3 local children are living in poverty and, in some areas, it is as high as 36%.

2 May marked Cash for Kids Day, where organisations came together to raise as much as possible for the cause, with a particular focus on combating holiday hunger to make sure all children have access to a hot meal during the holidays.

Veezu has donated £500 from its regional areas of Birmingham, Cardiff, Leeds, Liverpool, Sheffield and Portsmouth, bringing the total donation to £3000. According to statistics given by Cash for Kids, it’s predicted that £3000 will help 60 children in need.

Sally Aitchison MBE, Managing Director at Cash for Kids, said: “We are so grateful to Veezu for supporting us across the UK in six regions for Cash for Kids Day. For the passengers of Veezu, they can feel confident in their choice, as they will be helping disadvantaged children access activities and food during the school holidays. For many children it will be their only daily meal. The generosity of companies like Veezu, as well as donations from the general public, help us help children that need it the most.”

Bruce Hall at Veezu, said: “We are delighted to be giving back and supporting our local community with our first donation through the Funded by Veezu scheme. The work that Cash for Kids do makes an incredible difference to children across the UK, and it’s a joy to know that our donation will go toward providing a hot meal for those who need it the most.”

For more information on Cash for Kids Day, and how you can get involved, visit: https://cashforkids.org.uk/cfkday

Midlands, Sport, Transport

Veezu supports local cricket team in new sponsorship

VEEZU, the Midlands’ fastest growing private hire operator, is sponsoring Tipton Tigers Cricket Club to mark the second year of their partnership.

As the club’s official sponsor this season, Veezu, formerly known as A2B Radio Cars, will provide a new kit for the team.

The sponsorship continues Veezu’s support of local community groups through its Funded by Veezu programme. Funded by Veezu is an initiative in which local residents, charities and sports teams can apply for funding and grants, set up to improve the communities in which Veezu operates.

Zukky Shabir, Tipton Tigers Team Member and driver-partner with Veezu, said: “We are very appreciative to Veezu for their generous donation last year as it helped set up our team and has provided a solid foundation going into our second year.

“With our team being a group of local players, and some of us working with Veezu, its ongoing support for the local community is all the more valued. Our hopes are to win the title this year in the Wolverhampton League, and we are proud to have Veezu by our side throughout this.”

Graham Hoof, Regional Operations Director for Veezu, said: “We are delighted to be supporting another local team in the Midlands. Our Funded by Veezu programme has been an incredible success already in giving local groups the opportunity to access funds and resources they may not have had before.

“With our growing presence in the Midlands, supporting our local communities and forming positive connections is one of our top priorities.”

Cancer, Charity Events, Charity News, Events, FInance

Maggie’s and Swansea Building Society Host 5th Anniversary Celebration for Cancer Support in Cardiff

Maggie’s Cancer Charity and Swansea Building Society are collaborating to host a memorable event commemorating the 5th anniversary of the Maggie’s Centre opening in Cardiff. The exciting 5th Birthday Ball will be held on May 17th at Dyffryn Springs near Wenvoe, bringing together supporters and beneficiaries for an evening of reflection and hope.

Swansea Building Society has pledged its support as the event sponsor, continuing its steadfast commitment to Maggie’s as its official charity for the third consecutive year.

Since its inception, Maggie’s Cardiff has provided invaluable support to over a thousand visitors each month, offering practical, emotional, and social assistance to individuals and families navigating the challenges of cancer.

The centre, situated in Velindre Road, Whitchurch, works in harmony with conventional cancer therapies, offering a nurturing environment where visitors can access support, information, and practical advice. From financial and benefits guidance to complementary therapies and nutrition workshops, Maggie’s Cardiff plays a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of life for those affected by cancer.

Supporting the charity over recent years, Swansea Building Society has organised a diverse range of successful fundraising activities, including dress-down days, raffles, and sponsored events like dog walks and open water swimming. These initiatives have resulted in an impressive cumulative fundraising total exceeding £60,000, providing vital resources to empower Maggie’s in delivering its essential services.

Richard Miles, Area Manager / Head of Savings & Marketing, Swansea Building Society, said:

“As proud sponsors of Maggie’s for the third consecutive year, Swansea Building Society is honoured to support such a vital cause. Our ongoing commitment to Maggie’s reflects our dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by cancer. We are delighted to be part of the 5th Birthday Ball celebration and look forward to continuing our partnership with Maggie’s to ensure their important work can thrive for years to come.”

Rachael Davies, Fundraising Manager at Maggie’s, added:

“We’re incredibly grateful that Swansea Building Society has sponsored our 5th Birthday Ball. Sponsorship of our events is so important, and we can’t thank everyone at Swansea Building Society enough.”

Finance and Banking, News

Envestors Launch ‘Fast-track To Finance’ Fundraising Accelerator for Early Stage Companies

Envestors to tackle early-stage capital funding crunch with the launch of their fundraising accelerator for B2B companies raising up to £1m in equity investment, the culmination of twenty years’ experience supporting start-ups on their growth journeys.

April, 2024, London – Envestors, the UK advisory for high-growth founders, today announced that they are launching their ‘Fast-track to Finance’ Fundraising Accelerator for entrepreneurs looking to raise equity investment, commencing Spring 2024.

Envestors have been helping start-ups raise equity investment since 2004, and with two decades of experience in the early-stage investment space have helped to raise over £100m for over 200 start-ups across the UK, including helping to close a £4m round in February of 2024.

As the current economic climate continues to challenge entrepreneurs, with investors more restrained than previous years and the funding landscape increasingly competitive, it is clear that start-ups – especially those with first time founders – need more support than ever to navigate their fundraising journey.

Moreover, Envestors experience has proven that alongside a difficult market, failure to raise capital is more often than not due to a lack of investment readiness and founders being underprepared, namely, by having an unrealistic valuation, missing key documentation or presenting unachievable business plans.

This is why Envestors have built the ’Fast-track to Finance’ Accelerator to lower these barriers, guide founders in preparing for their fundraise, and provide them with a listing in a regulated marketplace to market their raise.

The programme will provide founders with all the tools necessary to independently manage their fundraise by offering them the chance to work with experts to:

  • Craft their investment proposition
  • Understand their financing options
  • Sort their investment legals, including for the EIS/SEIS schemes
  • Build a realistic financial plan
  • Receive a valuation benchmark for their company
  • Build their investment offer
  • Create a target list of funding sources and outreach plan
  • And perfect their investment pitch

Oliver Woolley, Co-Founder and CEO of Envestors, says ‘We are thrilled to be launching our fundraising accelerator for founders. When I sold my start-up and started Envestors in 2004, our ultimate goals were to help entrepreneurs succeed and to support innovation in the UK. We are all looking forward to continuing to achieve those goals with the ’Fast-track To Finance’ Accelerator.’

The ‘Fast-track To Finance’ Accelerator will launch in April 2024, and is now open to B2B UK registered businesses planning a raise of less than £1m.

Envestors requires a fee to join the programme, but does not take equity or success fees from companies. Register your interest here: https://envestors.envestry.com/fundraising-accelerator

Business News, Charity Events

Blue Self Storage Raises £20,000 For Prostate Cancer Charity

LEADING container storage provider blue self storage has raised £20,000 for Prostate Cancer UK, continuing its legacy of supporting charities and the local community.

The landmark has been reached as the firm celebrates the recent opening of its Bridgend operation, and is finalising plans to open a facility at Gloucester.

Dean Daly, Operations Director at blue self storage, said: “Prostate cancer is a huge health concern affecting many men locally and nationally, and we really want to play our part in combating this disease. We feel companies like ours have a duty to support local communities and this is one way that we can do that.

“We believe in the power of giving back, and our commitment to supporting prostate cancer awareness and research reflects our core values.

“Our sadly departed founder Nick Williams established our tradition of supporting causes that will have a meaningful impact on the community. It is an honour to continue his legacy of philanthropy.”

Originally Cardiff Self Storage, the company was founded in 1988 and has been recognised for its ethos to give back to the community that has supported its growth and success. Now, under the new name of blue self storage, the ethos remains as prominent as ever.

In addition to its ongoing efforts for Prostate Cancer UK, blue self storage is committed to supporting a wide range of charities, such as Cerebral Palsy Cymru and City Hospice, and various other local community groups.

blue self storage was the winner of the UK Container Site of the Year 2023, and provides secure self storage facilities at four sites in Cardiff, Bridgend and Tyneside.

Charity & CSR, Finance and Banking, News

First Response Finance Raises Over £76k for Charity in 2023

First Response Finance, the vehicle finance company with offices in Nottingham, Leigh, and Glasgow, donated a total of £76,323.18 to charity in 2023. 

The business regularly raises money for Trussell Trust, a charity that supports a network of food banks, and Magic Breakfast, an organisation that provides children in need with nutritious breakfasts. Last year alone, First Response Finance collected an impressive £63,590.64 in aid of these two specific charities. 

An additional £12,732.54 was raised by the company’s employees, with First Response Finance’s staff donating to a wide range of charities across the country and the local community. Some of these included the British Heart Foundation, Macmillan Cancer Support, Derby County Community Trust, MNDA, Alzheimer’s Society, Guide Dogs UK, Lancashire Guinea Pig Rescue, and Roxburghe House Hospice. 

Jonathan Such, head of sales at First Response Finance, said: “We value the crucial role that charities play in supporting people from all backgrounds and walks of life. That’s why we strive to raise as much as we can during the year to help charitable organisations deliver the best care they can. 

“Quite honestly, we wouldn’t have been able to accumulate more than £76,000 over the course of 2023 without the outpouring generosity of our people. 

“Any money that our employees raise in aid of their chosen charity is matched by First Response Finance, and that same amount is given to our company charities. This means that, thanks to our matching scheme, a total of £21,624.68 was devolved to Trussell Trust and Magic Breakfast.” 

Over the year, members of staff were actively involved in additional charity work, such as participating in the Dunelm ‘Delivery Joy’ campaign, volunteering at Emmanuel House Centre, and collecting donations for Long Eaton and Sawley Foodbank. 

One team member is the chairman of Sherwood Seals Swimming Club, a special swimming club set up for disabled children and young adults. Likewise, another employee volunteers as a trustee at Guru Nanak’s Mission, a non-profit organisation providing food to the homeless, rough sleepers, and vulnerable people in Nottingham. 

Such added: “It’s heartwarming to see that colleagues across the business have a huge impact on the lives of so many. 

“To help our people in their charity efforts, we offer each employee one charity day per year, allowing them to take a day off to support a non-profit organisation of their choice. 

“We also have a ‘give as you earn’ scheme in place, where members of staff can have money donated directly from their pay to their desired charity. 

“In 2024, we will keep supporting several worthy causes and continue to devolve money to charities with the help of our people.” 

For more information about First Response Finance, visit firstresponsefinance.co.uk.