The H&H Group of companies, has announced that thanks to its fund-raising activities throughout 2019, it raised an impressive £7000, split evenly between charities Mind and Cumbria Community Foundation.
The charitable beneficiaries of all the Group’s 2019 fund-raising activities were specifically chosen by staff because they are subjects close to their hearts and support causes which are important to customers, staff and local communities in the areas in which they work.
Throughout 2019, various events took place including the Big Sleep, the Windermere Dragon Boat Race, a Bake Off, and a Festive Ladies Night. The monies raised would not have been possible without a very dedicated team of fundraisers within the business and acknowledging this, Richard Rankin, Chief Executive, was keen to express his gratitude:
“I am so proud of the team and all the activities that they organised to raise such a significant amount of money for these worthwhile causes. Each year we start at zero again and set out to raise as much as possible and I am continually impressed with their efforts year in and year out, it really is a rewarding experience. We are thrilled to hand over £3500 to each charity because we know what a difference this amount of money can make to each of their causes.”
Katie Quick, Community Fundraising Co-ordinator for Mind, said: “The H&H team has really put their energies towards helping to raise vital funds for Mind by running some great activities. In addition, they were focused on promoting mental health and wellbeing within the workplace and beyond, which is as important as the funds themselves, based on the fact one in every four of us experiences a mental health issue each year. Every penny raised through their fantastic efforts will fund Mind’s vital work including the Mind Infoline, and our other advice services.
“In real terms, £3500 could help us to fund 573 answered calls made to our vital info line service which provides mental health advice and support to those who need it most. It could also help us to fund 915 people to campaign for change on our behalf to make sure that mental health related matters are made a priority on a national scale.”
Receiving the other half of the funds raised was the independent charity Cumbria Community Foundation, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2019. Since 1999, the Foundation has awarded over £44 million in grants to groups and individuals, providing a means to make a difference to the most disadvantaged in Cumbria. Jacqui Currie, Events & Fundraising Co-ordinator added:
“We are delighted to receive the cheque from H&H Group. This really is a magnificent fund-raising effort on the team’s part. We hugely value our relationship with H&H Group who have been supporters of the Foundation since we were first established in 1999.
“The money raised will go into the Cumbria Fund, which supports around 50 different causes each year and supports thousands of people to take part in activities that address inequality, improve health and wellbeing and reduce social isolation. This is a fantastic story of corporate social responsibility and the importance of business giving back to the community in which it operates.”
Hot on the tails of such success for 2019, the team has been quick to select the beneficiary for its 2020 fund-raising efforts. This has been awarded to The Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) providing air ambulance services across the North-East, Cumbria and North Yorkshire.
Speaking on hearing the news that H&H Group would be fundraising on its behalf, Leya Baksh Corporate Fundraising Officer for GNAAS, said: “We are thrilled that H&H Group has selected us as its charity of choice for 2020. We are looking forward to getting involved with all their exciting activities and seeing them raise awareness of our important cause.
“Every penny raised helps towards enabling our critical care team to bring pioneering pre-hospital care to the scene and treat hundreds of severely injured or ill patients every year. The charity is not government-funded and relies entirely on donations and fundraisers to remain operational.”
Reflecting on a successful year of fund-raising and looking to maintain the momentum into the new decade, Richard concluded: “This year’s results have been excellent, and I am so pleased to be handing over the funds to Mind and Cumbria Community Foundation, who we have worked alongside for a year. Following this success, I am confident our efforts will be as productive for our 2020 fund-raising for The Great North Air Ambulance.”
Across its business, H&H Group, which includes Harrison and Hetherington, H&H Land & Estates, H&H Insurance Brokers, H&H Reeds and H&H Auction Rooms, works with farmers and rural businesses to deliver the highest quality support services, whilst supporting the local community and chosen charities through its commitment to corporate social responsibility.
