Finance firm raises £10,000 for Acorns in charity-packed year

A packed year of fundraising activities by LaSer UK has raised £10,000 for the children’s hospice charity Acorns.

Employees at the Solihull financial services company organised a series of charitable initiatives throughout 2009, including games and themed events.

They included a Halloween day with fancy dress, a pumpkin carving competition and a 12 days of Christmas raffle. An employee bag collection was also held where staff bought in bags of unwanted household items and clothing to be sold in Acorn charity shops.

The fundraising events were also taken outside of the office with 15 members of staff, including the managing director, taking part in the Stratford Half Marathon. Suppliers were also encouraged to get involved with the fundraising by donating prizes for the raffles.

The money raised will help the West Midlands-based charity Acorns continue to carry out their vital work supporting life limited and life threatened children and their families through difficult times.

LaSer UK communications manager, Julia Hope said: “I am delighted at the support and enthusiasm our employees have shown for our charity activities and the final total is evidence of our commitment.

“We are thrilled with how much money we have raised and happy to know that it is all going towards a great cause,” she added.

Sanjay Jagatia, from Acorns, said: “We are thrilled with the amount of effort that LaSer UK have put in towards their fundraising.

“The ideas that Laser came up with were very effective in getting everyone involved and will benefit the children and families we work with.”

LaSer UK employees nominate a charity every year.

The 2010 LaSer UK charity is Marie Curie Cancer Care in Solihull and similar fundraising activities will be taking place. In addition, each department is taking part in their own programme of events to raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Ms Hope added: “Last year we set the standard with an impressive total and I have no doubts that we can reach that once again. The staff are already planning and everyone is very keen to get started.”