A Cumbrian accountancy firm has raised £3,000 for charity instead of sending Christmas cards.
Dodd & Co asked staff to recommend charities close to their hearts and the firm chose a selection to donate cash to.
The Tom Clarke Foundation, set up in memory of Tom who was diagnosed with stomach cancer in 2020 and died in April 2021. The foundation aims to support and relieve those who are suffering or who have suffered with cancer, Crohn’s disease and colitis and who may require hospice care.
This charity is close to the heart of Dodd & Co client manager, Gregg Smith, who is a trustee of the foundation and a close friend of Tom’s.
A donation was also made to Cumbria Family Support, who have been helping families with children in Cumbria to get through difficult times since 1993. Staff and trained volunteers help families in their own homes, by offering practical and emotional support, to reduce isolation and health inequalities and help them to overcome issues or challenges they may be facing.
Dodd & Co also made a donation to Penrith and Carlisle food banks, who work hard collecting and distributing food and essential items to local families in need, and also to Cumbria Community Foundation’s Winter Warmth Appeal, which provides support to vulnerable elderly people struggling to heat their homes, helping them to stay warm and healthy during winter
Heidi Marshall, partner at Dodd & Co, said “We are delighted to be able to support such wonderful charities again this year, despite the difficult job of having to choose between an extensive list of amazing causes!
“This year’s chosen charities work so hard to support local people and families during some of the most difficult times of their lives. Their service is imperative to the health and survival of our communities, and we hope this year’s donations go some way to support their amazing work.”
As patrons of Carlisle Youth Zone, Dodd & Co also provided its annual donation of selection boxes to the Christmas party event held for its children and staff donned their best festive knits for Festive Friday and took part in the CFM Cash for Kids Christmas Jumper Day.
