On Monday 17th May, the company launched ‘Giving Something Back’ week, with employees across its eight UK offices, including the entire management team, volunteering a day of their time and expertise, to raise money for 27 different charities.
A highlight was ‘Store Wars’, where staff took charge of British Red Cross charity shops across the country, and competed to raise as much money as possible.
Branches across the UK, from Portsmouth to Warrington HQ, descended on stores across the country to sort, serve and motivate in the name of charity. The initiative even saw Opal managing director, Paul Lawton, rolling up his sleeves and getting involved!
The week also saw a diverse range of other challenges and fundraising activity taking place across the UK, raising money for charities including Barnardo’s, The Prince’s Trust and TreeHouse. The Milton Keynes office took charge of painting chicken sheds at Thrift Farm, Whaddon – a facility for adults with learning difficulties – whilst their colleagues in Stoke Mandeville reorganised the Aylesbury Calibre Audio Library and those in Warrington presented on a community radio station!
Paul Lawton, managing director at Opal, said: “We believe fundraising should be fun and not something people feel they have to do. And that’s why we decided to create a series of exciting challenges where people also have the chance to apply their business expertise. This was the biggest-ever fundraising day in Opal’s history and it certainly was entertaining! Raising over £3,000 is a massive credit to all our staff who took part, many of whom are planning to return to the charities to offer further support in their own time. The week was such a success we’re repeating it next year.
“We rewarded everyone who took part by holding a party at Chester race course at the end of the fundraising week to acknowledge their efforts and give them chance to swap stories about their experiences. We’ll have to work hard to top this next year!”
Giving Something Back Week is part of Opal’s annual fundraising drive. Last year saw staff raise a significant amount for the Motor and Allied Trades Benevolent Fund.