Wednesday 17 November is World Prematurity Day and as Randall & Payne, Cheltenham-based accountants and business advisors, near the end of their charity partnership with Scoo-B-Doo, they reflect on their work together over the last few years.
Managing Partner, Tim Watkins comments “Randall & Payne have thoroughly enjoyed fundraising for Scoo-B-Doo, a small local charity which was already close to the hearts of a few of our staff who learnt of the support the charity gives to the Neonatal unit at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, having had first-hand experience, but which has been embraced by the whole firm. The statistics suggest that 1 in 10 babies are born prematurely worldwide, which is reflected in the numbers of our staff who have been affected by prematurity too.”
There are many benefits of a business working closely with a charity, with the most obvious one being for the community by the funds being raised, particularly in this instance where it makes a huge difference being a small charity where 100% of what is raised goes on making life easier for the premature and sick babies and their families.
During their time working with Scoo-B-Doo, Randall & Payne have raised close to £18,000. Their staff of approximately 60 people have really thrown themselves into the various fundraising activities and helped to achieve the best total for their corporate charity so far. Your business could also be in a position to offer time or resources to help the charity, something which was not possible to do in this instance.
There are many more benefits to consider for businesses who don’t currently support a charity:
· Boost team morale – Fundraising activities outside of the work environment help with team building. Randall & Payne found this particularly beneficial during lockdown bringing people together virtually for active challenges and a common goal.
· Raise the profile of the charity – Some charities are more well-known than others and often only friends and family of those who have been touched by their cause are aware of them. Showcasing your fundraising activities and sharing information about them on your social media channels will help to increase their reach and raise awareness.
· Build your brand – The charitable initiatives of your company can be an integral part of your brand, positioning yourself as reliable and ethical, attractive to both new business and new recruits.
· Increase your reach – Fundraisers help to make new connections with the staff and supporters of the charity as well as the networking opportunities offered by events, such as a quiz night, for clients/customers, referrers and prospects to get involved with.
· Good for your community – Your business is actively helping people by donating money, time or resource.
The team at Randall & Payne and the Scoo-B-Doo committee have enjoyed working together over the past three years on a range of fundraising activities; from a walk to the hospital, a Family Fun Day, Quiz Night, and many smaller fundraisers such as dress down days, breakfast butties for the office, a staff Fantasy Football league, and an office second-hand book shop.
Reflecting on the three year partnership Marketing Manager, Fiona Hughes said “The medical staff and parents who make up the committee have been a joy to work with and have got involved with our fundraisers wherever possible. It’s been important for us to help raise the profile of the charity, which we will continue to do beyond our partnership in order to help them keep the support of other businesses in Gloucestershire, and so that they can continue to give those tiny babies the best start in life.”
It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day business of an organisation but taking time to give something back to a charity can give you a new perspective on work and life. The impact on the community is undoubtedly the biggest benefit, but don’t disregard the other advantages of working closely with charities, as they can make a big difference to your staff morale, public relations and ultimately, your bottom line.
