Fundraising in the work-place can really bring staff together and inspire them in a common cause.
It can provide great team building activities and is a great way to motivate employees at work.
There are so many activities you can choose from and we are here to help and support you along the way. Have you considered a Bake-off or a Come Dine with Me challenge? Or how about organising a Garden Party or Sports Day? We’ve included a guide here to get your creative juices going. You can also sign up for one of our dedicated Corporate events here, nominate us as your Charity of the Year or organise Payroll giving through your company.
Here are some stories gathered from the fundraising journey of one of our amazing supporters, the Optionis Group.
Headquartered in Warrington, with offices across the UK, Optionis is the leading professional services provider to contractors and small businesses, specialising in accountancy, tax, and umbrella employment solutions. Each year, their employees vote for the charities they’d like to fundraise for and, in 2018, Alder Hey Children’s Charity was chosen, with the money raised going towards our new Alder Centre.
Optionis have managed to secure match funding for their fundraising target of £5,000, meaning that Alder Hey Children’s Charity will receive an incredible £10,000. As well as smaller fundraising events, Optionis set its employees two Charity Challenges to help reach this target – a 50-mile bike ride and then various Tough Mudder events across the county. As you can read from the stories below, everyone has been working hard to reach their target!
Office to Office Bike Ride
After months of preparation and training, 23 cyclists took part in the Optionis Office to Office bike ride and crossed the finish line in Blackpool, after cycling over 50 miles from the Warrington HQ office.
The team set off from Optionis HQ at 7:45am and by 1.30pm they’d crossed the finish line at their Nixon Williams office in Blackpool. They were met by the cheers and encouragement of their colleagues…and there may have been a celebratory glass of fizz involved as well.
The challenge was one of Optionis’ main fundraising initiatives this year. Each participant was tasked with raising £100 each to contribute to the overall target of £5,000 for Alder Hey Children’s Charity.
Tough Mudder
It’s been months of teamwork, training and endurance as colleagues across the Optionis Group tackled miles of muddy obstacle courses to raise money for the Alder Centre.
The last of the Tough Mudder events took place on 22nd September, as teams from Optionis’ Hemel Hempstead and Reading offices got stuck in and completed their challenge.
There has been an incredible response to the Optionis Charity Challenges, and over 60 people have taken on Tough Mudder events across the country, including teams from Warrington, Blackpool, Manchester, Hemel Hempstead and Reading. Everyone taking part was tasked with raising £100 each and, as you can see from the photos, they clearly enjoyed themselves (even with all the mud!).
Bring your Dog to Work Day
In June, the Optionis offices welcomed new team members in the form of some canine friends to mark National Bring Your Dog to Work Day.
Employees brought their beloved pets to work with them, getting into the Friday spirit and raising money for charity.
Pugs, Cockapoos, Boxers, Spaniels, Labradors, Staffies, Chihuahuas… you name it, they made an appearance. There was barking and a lot of running around as over 35 furry friends made an appearance in the company’s offices across the country, including Hemel, Warrington, Poole, Blackpool, Manchester and Reading.
With a £5 donation to the Optionis corporate charities for each dog, they raised nearly £100 for Alder Hey Children’s Charity.
Great Optionis Bake Off
The Great Optionis Bake Off in May revealed some hidden culinary talent amongst the Optionis Group. From cheesecake to caramel drip cake and mousse to muffins, the Optionis bakers donned their aprons and dug out their secret recipes in a bid to produce a winning Show Stopper.
The Warrington, Blackpool, Manchester and Edinburgh offices all got involved in the competition, which was held to raise money – and to have a bit of fun (and cake) along the way.
Once judging had taken place the treats went on sale for a donation – after all, who doesn’t love slice of cake on a Friday? Thanks to the £1 entry fee from the bakers, and the generous donations, Optionis managed to raise over £130!
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