Staff at Blackpool-based Nixon Williams have handed over £20,000 to two children’s charities after taking on a series of fundraising activities including long-distance bike treks, assault courses and fancy-dress competitions.
The accountancy firm, which is part of professional services provider Optionis Group, will split the funds evenly between Alder Hey Children’s Charity in Liverpool and Keech Hospice Care in Luton.
Alder Hey Children’s Charity plans to use the money to help build the new premises for the Alder Centre, which offers support to bereaved families, whilst Keech Hospice Care will use the funds to support its work providing specialist care for adults and children with life-limiting and terminal illnesses.
Both charities were picked by Optionis employees across 11 UK offices and more than 650 staff, who are asked each year to decide on a charitable cause close to their hearts that all staff fundraising efforts can go towards.
Speaking of the fundraising efforts, CEO Derek Kelly, said: “We are over the moon with the money we have raised this year. It is always an exciting prospect when we elect a charity at the beginning of the year, and it is fun to unite our offices for a joint cause.
“No doubt this year there was a lot of sore legs, but the end goal was to hand over the cheque to two amazing charities, and that was worth it! Alder Hey and Keech Hospice Care are very inspiring, and we are pleased we could fundraise such a large amount.
“We completed six fundraising days this year, and we aim to continue that momentum in 2019 with our next chosen corporate charity.”
Nixon Williams raised the money through a series of fun challenges including cake bakes; a bring your dog to work day; a Halloween party and a Christmas fancy dress competition, which included both dogs and employees.
That was on top of more physical challenges, such as Tough Mudder events and an office to office bike ride with staff riding 52 miles between Warrington and Blackpool.
Elinor Freestone, Corporate Account Manager for Alder Hey Children’s Charity said: “We would like to say thank you to Optionis for their amazing donation which will go towards the development of the new Alder Centre; Alder Hey’s bereavement suite. The Alder Centre is funded directly through charitable donations and is dedicated to providing a comprehensive range of bereavement support services, tailored to the needs of those who have suffered the loss of a child.
“The centre supports many families through some of their most difficult times. The support from Optionis is invaluable and will continue to help our families for years to come.”
