It’s that time of year again when our thoughts turn to helping others and we begin our series of five festive charity donations in place of sending traditional corporate Christmas cards.
This year, our teams were once again asked to nominate any causes close to their hearts, and five have now been chosen to receive our ‘Gold Rings’.
The team in our Sligo office stepped up in style last year, donating to a charity supporting those in mental health recovery by providing subsidised access to health and well-being activities (including yoga – do you see what they did there?!)
Keep an eye on LinkedIn, and here on the website, to find out who we’ve chosen to support this year (and what our teams get up to in the process!). If you can’t wait, have a look at all of last year’s good causes.
First ‘Gold Ring’ – CHAS hospice in Scotland
The first of RAW’s Five Gold Rings this year took the shape of a donation of a variety of toys, gift cards and sensory gifts, requested by the CHAS hospice ‘Robin House’ in Balloch.
This worthwhile cause was nominated by our Scotland team, and we were delighted to be able to donate to CHAS, who offer invaluable support to families with babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions.
Lisa and Calum played Santa’s little helpers and delivered the gifts from CHAS’ wishlist on Friday morning, just in time for the annual Christmas celebrations!
Find out more about the amazing work that Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) do here CHAS
Second ‘Gold Ring’ – Ronald McDonald House Charities in London
Today Rachel, Atit and Chris from our Sandhurst office visited Ronald McDonald House in Tooting, London to make our cash donation towards funding the valuable work that the organisation does across the UK to provide nearby, free accommodation for families of patients in specialist children’s hospitals across the UK.
As an in-patient in St George’s Hospital for a period of four months in her early teens, Rachel is very grateful to Ronald McDonald House for the support that they provided to her parents, allowing them to stay comfortably nearby and on hand every step of the way whilst Rachel recovered.
Rachel nominated Ronald McDonald House Charities as soon as she heard about RAW’s ‘Five Gold Rings, saying ‘It makes a huge difference to the children’s and parents’ lives, it would be absolutely amazing if we could donate to them.’ and, of course, we were more than happy to oblige!
Find out more about the organisation and its work here RMHC
Third ‘Gold Ring’ – Feed Manchester
The third of our charitable donations goes to Feed Manchester this year. The charity relies entirely on donations, and their loyal team of volunteers, and was nominated by Amy in our Manchester office. Her nomination was supported by all of her colleagues and the team bought toiletries, thermal clothing and sanitary products and packed them in shoulder-bags for distribution to those in need in Manchester.
Amy regularly volunteers with the Feed Manchester team, who visit the city centre on foot each Friday to distribute hot and cold drinks, food, and donated clothing to those who are homeless and sleeping out. She said ‘It would be really good to put some essential care packages together’ for the charity to distribute during the food run, so that’s just what she and her colleagues have done!
Find out more about the support the volunteers provide at Feed Manchester
Fourth ‘Gold Ring’ – Heart to Heart Norfolk
Having suffered a heart attack himself some three years ago (and thankfully making a full recovery), Mike from our Norwich office was quick to nominate our fourth ‘Gold Ring’, a cause close to his heart…
The charity Heart to Heart Norfolk was set up by Jayne after her young daughter’s life was saved with a defibrillator back in 2016 after she was taken ill suddenly. Jayne set up the charity with the aim of providing access to defibrillators in key locations up and down the East coast of Norfolk, and beyond. Amazingly, more than 90 defibrillators have been installed so far as a result of Jayne’s tireless efforts, and the charity also provides community CPR and defibrillator training.
With big plans for increased fund-raising in 2019, including a new charity shop, we hope that our donation helps a little with Jayne’s valuable work!
Find out more about the charity here Heart to Heart Norfolk
Fifth ‘Gold Ring’ – Anotherworld, Belfast
RAW’s Belfast team nominated this not-for-profit social enterprise to receive one of our ‘Gold Rings’ this year. The organisation operates a care package distribution programme named ‘The Love Pack’ for those living below the poverty line in Northern Ireland – those experiencing ‘another world’.
These ‘Love Packs’ contain hygiene items, socks, gloves, hats and seasonal treats for the homeless and displaced in the Belfast area. Ashlene from our Belfast team shopped for these basic necessities, and some additional specifically requested urgent items, last week, and Orlaith and David played the elves and gave her a hand packing them up ready for collection. The ‘Love Packs’ will be distributed directly to those in need over the next few days.
Find out more about the ‘Love Packs’ and other initiatives at Anotherworld
Well, that’s this year’s Five Gold Rings complete, we hope you’ve enjoyed reading about our chosen causes as much as our teams have enjoyed choosing and delivering these donations.
We hope that our support has made at least little difference where it is needed, and wish all of the charitable organisations who work so hard throughout the year a very Happy Christmas and every success in 2019.