Acorns Children’s Hospice and Rett Syndrome Association UK have been chosen by Barclays to benefit from fundraising activites which will take place in branches throughout 2009 which have so far this year raised £30,000.
Barclays at Small Heath, Birmingham, was one of more than 200 branches that took part in the first planned event which involved more than 500 employees and raised £15,322. This amount was doubled as part of the Barclays Community investment programme, giving a total of £30,644 to be split between the two chosen charities.
Jayne Walker, for Barclays Small Heath, whose staff raffled two complimentary tickets to an Aston Villa Football game, said “Fundraising events like this join the staff, customers and local community together whilst raising money for worthwhile charities.”
The Rett Syndrome Association UK was chosen because a Barclays employee Rita Ross’s daughter Francesca was recently diagnosed with the condition. Acorns Children’s Hospice was chosen as they provide support and care to children with life limiting conditions.
Rita, who is leading the fundraising across the branches, said: “The support we have received has been incredible. The target we set was £100,000 which seemed huge and we are rising to the challenge. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our staff and customers.”
Sanjay Jagatia, Acorns Children’s Hospice community fundraiser for Birmingham and Warwickshire, said: “The generosity of Barclays’ staff and supporters will make so much difference to the children and families we care for.”
Claire Coles, from Rett Syndrome Association UK, said “The money will be divided between research and the children and family support services.”
