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Working with a charity is proving such a boon to businesses they are lining up to pledge a second year of support. In just one week, two companies with a substantial presence in Peterborough – Coloplast UK and Dobbies Garden Centre – signed up to work with Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice for a second year.

And a number of smaller companies are also looking forward to getting involved in fundraising and volunteering, supporting the hospice team to provide incredible care to patients and their families.

The fundraising team have now recruited a small number of dedicated and experienced ambassador volunteers, including Judith Wojtowicz (pictured) to help advise and liaise with potential and existing business partners. Whether it’s a one-off fundraising event or a strategic corporate social responsibility programme the new ambassadors mean there is always someone available to help businesses to maximise their fundraising opportunities.

Thorpe Hall community fundraiser Nilesh Patel said:. “We regularly highlight the benefits to businesses of working with charities and the fact that companies are asking to work with us again demonstrates it’s a two way relationship.”

Staff at Coloplast UK threw themselves into a host of fundraising activities last year, running, biking, holding bake sales and dress down days. They entered a team in the Dragon Boat Festival too, hitting their £10,000 fundraising target in time to celebrate at their Christmas party. They’re aiming to raise £20,000 during their second year of support.

Coloplast HR business partner Kelly Rippon said: “Working with Thorpe Hall Hospice has truly made a difference to our business. We are energised to work in partnership for this fantastic cause. It brings out the competitive side in our staff.”

Similarly, the staff at Dobbies Garden Centre in Hampton, Peterborough, will be supporting Thorpe Hall Hospice for a second year, encouraging customers to get involved and organising staff events.

“This kind of activity works really well for us,” said Nilesh. “Dobbies staff support Thorpe Hall and we’re able to raise awareness with their customers too. And Dobbies’ charitable partnership with the hospice is a demonstration of their commitment to the community in which they operate.

“Working alongside a charity can have big benefits in terms of boosting workplace morale, raising brand awareness and increasing staff engagement. We work really closely with businesses to make sure their goals sit alongside ours.” 

Support isn’t necessarily about fundraising. Staff at Rawlinsons Chartered Accountants gave hours of time volunteering and Serpentine Green Shopping Centre has hosted launch events and collections.

Nilesh said: “It costs £2.8 million a year to provide our services and we have to raise around half of that. That’s a big figure and we value the help of businesses, groups and individuals from across the region to reach it.”

To find out how your business could benefit from supporting Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice please email Thorpe.fundraising@sueryder.org or call 01733 225999.