The Hazlewoods fundraising year for 2022/23 saw staff dedicating their efforts to raising money for Gloucestershire Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (GRASAC) and the Firm is delighted to announce that £50,000 has been raised for the charity. The money will fund development of a new, more interactive website for victims as well as providing more resources for friends and families of those affected.
As well as regular activity throughout the year such as the tuck shop and 100 club, staff also took on personal challenges to raise money for GRASAC including: the Gloucestershire three peaks challenge, the Malvern Hills end to end challenge, a skydive and the Vets, Pharmacy and Dental teams charity afternoon where partners were on the receiving end of some ice buckets and wet sponges!
Gilli Appleby, newly appointed CEO at GRASAC, commented, “The energy and commitment for fundraising activities to support GRASAC has been overwhelming. An enthusiastic team from GRASAC attended last month’s Hazlewoods quiz evening. The support for the event from the firm and their guests was such a terrific finale to our partnership. It was a fun and smoothly run evening and we were grateful that we didn’t come home with the wooden spoon prize!
Gilli goes on to stress the importance of GRASAC’s wide reach in our county, “In 2022 GRASAC supported almost 900 individual clients and undertook just short of 10,000 individual interventions/consultations either directly with clients on a one-to-one basis or advocating on behalf of our clients with other agencies. We also plan to increase our group sessions for those who are, or have been, clients of GRASAC, tailoring our delivery and content to meet the specific age group and needs so that survivors have the confidence to move forward with their lives. To thrive, not just survive; to not let their sexual abuse experience define them. The support and the funds that Hazlewoods fundraising activities have provided will enable GRASAC to continue to advocate for, support, and empower survivors of sexual violence from across Gloucestershire.”
If you would like to make GRASAC your charity of the year, please get in touch with Gilli at ceo@glosrasac.org.uk.
Every year Hazlewoods staff nominate local causes, and an online vote selects the next charity of the year. With an overwhelming 62% of votes, Gloucester based James Hopkins Trust secured its position as the 2023/24 Hazlewoods charity of the year. James Hopkins Trust provides nursing respite care for life limited and life threatened young children, as well as support for their families.
Founded in 1989, James Hopkins Trust was set up in memory of the founders’ son, James, who sadly passed away from an x-linked genetic disorder that year.
“Everyone at James Hopkins Trust is thrilled to be chosen as Hazlewoods charity of the year, partnerships like this truly change the world for charities like us and we couldn’t do what we do without the practical and financial support of local companies, community groups and individuals.
“James Hopkins Trust helps families in Gloucestershire who have a young child who is life limited, life threatened or severely disabled by offering nursing respite care night or day either within the family home or at our purpose-built centre. We look forward to getting to know Hazlewoods over the next 12 months and welcoming you to Kites Corner – home of JHT.” Sarah James, Trust Director.
“James Hopkins Trust is a fantastic charity and one which is close to our hearts. JHT was our charity of the year 10 years ago and it returns this year where we look forward to presenting them with our fundraising efforts next May, the year within which the charity reaches its 35th anniversary.” James Whittaker, Associate Partner.
Fundraising for the year has already hit the ground running, with over 20 members of staff taking part in the Hazlewoods Aquathlon at the Sandford Parks Lido. The calendar is already filling up with more activity, including Vets Partner, Suzanne Headington, swimming the full 11 miles of Lake Windermere in September.
Hazlewoods is proud to be able to support James Hopkins Trust in the essential work they provide for families in our community. If you would like to support the firm in their fundraising efforts, click here (https://www.justgiving.com/page/hazlewoods-2023-24)
