Helping children’s wishes come true
As we approach the finish line of what was an uncertain year, Head Receptionist, Amanda Willis, who coordinates the firm's charity activities, recalls the ways we have united together to help our chosen charity of the year, When You Wish Upon a Star. We have seen a real team spirit and camaraderie in the effort to support this worthy cause.
Our Charity of The Year
When You Wish Upon a Star is a fantastic charity, founded in Nottingham by Barbara White in September 1990. It was set up to realise the dreams of terminally ill children, including exciting trips to meet their favourite superhero at Disneyland Florida and even the opportunity to swim with dolphins. The charity has granted over 18,000 wishes in its time and receives no government funding, relying entirely on the generosity of the public.
2020 has provided setbacks for all organisations, but the charity sector has had an especially challenging year, unable to raise funds through the usual events and often unable to deliver services due to lockdown restrictions.
The Covid pandemic meant that When You Wish Upon a Star sadly had to cancel their 30th anniversary party. In addition, they were forced to abandon highly anticipated events, which were months in the planning, designed to celebrate their three decades of work. Perhaps even worse, the charity could no longer proceed with the once-in-a-lifetime trips they had planned for the children, such as their yearly visit to see Santa in Lapland.
Virtual events were held, however, which everyone across the country could attend. What's more, gift packages were sent to the children to compensate for the unfulfilled wishes.
The charity does great work putting smiles on faces, giving the children and their families something to look forward to, through times of uncertainty, financial worry and emotional strain.
What we did to raise funds…
During a year of activity to support the charity, we were delighted to raise a truly impressive total of £2,032.88. But how did we go about it?
Well, before anyone had really heard of lockdown, shielding or knew the meaning of the word furlough, our charity funding kicked off with a pizza day in February to celebrate the last day before Lent. This was to be the one and only time the team was able to fundraise together this year.
Easter saw our first fundraising activity during lockdown – we joined together for a Spin to Win and a raffle, where everyone had the chance to win some goodies whilst raising money for the charity.
In August, a team of 18 members of the firm signed up to complete 2,149 miles collectively in 31 days by running, cycling and walking. This represented the distance from the Page Kirk office in Nottingham to Lapland, the place When You Wish Upon a Star took children every year to visit Santa. The team completed the challenge in 30 days, with one day spare and raised over £1,000 in the process.
On September 25th the charity celebrated its 30th birthday and we didn't miss this chance to get involved in the celebrations. We hosted a virtual party, where everyone got involved and decked up their working space in balloons and birthday banners. We also held a raffle with prizes such as vouchers and gin. It was a great chance for the firm to catch up and celebrate the excellent work that When You Wish Upon a Star has undertaken over 30 years.
December saw us host a virtual bake off, where team members voted on the best-looking cake on a Christmas theme.
Throughout the year, we have organised monthly charity days where we've dressed up in Halloween costume and Christmas-themed outfits and played virtual games, to raise money for the charity.
A massive thank you to everyone that got involved and supported us this year to raise money and awareness for When You Wish Upon a Star. Fundraising activities really brought the team together this year when we have become so physically distant and isolated.
Stay tuned to find out what causes we will be supporting in 2021.
Nicola Brien of When You Wish Upon a Star adds:
“We would like to say a huge thank you to all the fantastic staff at Page Kirk. You've been so creative finding new fun ways to fundraise virtually. We hope you all enjoyed taking part. Thank you also to all those sponsoring and supporting your incredible efforts – the money raised will go towards adding magic to the lives of children living with life threatening illnesses.”
Page Kirk Senior Partner, John Wallis said:
“Despite being such a distanced year for everyone, the team have once again proved their dedication to helping others by raising money and an awareness for a truly wonderful and heart-warming cause. I am extremely proud of the team for coming together and pushing through challenging times to arrange a host of virtual events and fundraisers. We hope the funds help create long-lasting memories, not just for the children but their families as well. ”
