A year-long fundraising effort by staff at Reward Finance Group has raised £30,000 to be equally shared between Manchester-based charity Barnabus and Aching Arms in Leeds.
The money raised by Reward will provide much-needed funds to the charities, with Barnabus offering practical support to homeless and vulnerable people living in Manchester and Aching Arms supporting bereaved parents coping with the loss of a baby during pregnancy, at birth or immediately after.
Nick Smith, group managing director for Reward, said: “Working closely with both charities has really opened our eyes to Barnabus’ commitment to helping homeless and vulnerable people and the community and essential services provided by Aching Arms to grieving parents.
“The team here at Reward worked tirelessly to reach a fundraising target that exceeded our expectations, and we’d like to both thank everyone involved and wish the charities all the best for the year ahead.”
Barnabus was created in 1991 and aims to support the homeless by equipping and empowering people to move away from a life on the streets and into a home through its support centre, case workers and tenancy resettlement team.
From dragon boat racing to participating in an organised sleep on the streets as part of the Manchester CEO Sleepout, the team at Reward embarked on a range of fundraising initiatives to achieve its ambitious target for Barnabus.
Carol Price, fundraising manager for Barnabus, added: “The generous and heartfelt commitment, energy and incredible fundraising support we’ve received from Reward has been a tremendous blessing and encouragement to our continuing and ever-growing work.
“The money raised ensures that we can continue to offer vital support, so that people can break free from the cycle of homelessness and have hope for the future.”
Reward’s other charity partner, Aching Arms uniquely provides comfort bears to hospitals and hospices, for midwives and nurses to offer to bereaved parents in their care.
Along with the comfort bears, it also provides a vital support service and community to parents after their loss and currently works with over 170 hospitals in the UK, as well as an increasing number of hospices, support groups and funeral directors.
Reward hosted its annual charity quiz at Leeds Arena and completed the Leeds 10k Clarion Corporate Challenge to help achieve its fundraising target for Aching Arms.
Mel Barclay, trustee for Aching Arms, said: “Our 12-month partnership with Reward has been extremely successful.
“The money raised will support the charity to continue its work in supporting newly bereaved families who experience the loss of their baby before during or shortly after birth.”
