A Year of Giving Back
As 2023 comes to a close and the festive season approaches, Amanda Willis, Charity Coordinator at Page Kirk Accountants and Page Kirk Financial Services, takes a moment to reflect on the remarkable journey of giving.
Wow, with Santa's arrival just around the corner, it's our last full day in the office. Which means all of us at Page Kirk get a very well-earned festive break to enjoy some quality time with family and friends, loved ones and furry ones. (Our offices close on Friday 22 December at 1pm and reopen on 2 January at 8.30am). We'll be all refreshed in January ready to start 2024. But before the celebrations begin, I would like to reflect on our Year of Giving Back.
At the close of 2022, I had an idea to support 12 charities in 2023, a different one each month. As we've been highlighting on our social media platforms throughout December, it's been a pleasure looking back on the past 12 months – a story of our "12 Charities of Christmas”.
Those of you who follow me on LinkedIn, will see that I have been putting my very own spin on our updates, which I'll share now.
“On the first day of Christmas, in January my Truelove sent to me.. Baby Basics..”
We kicked off the year with a lovely charity based in Long Eaton that supports new mums and families who can't afford the essential items to look after their newborns. It was great to see the team pull together and donate baby items, from bottles to wipes and preloved clothes. It was a super start to the year.
For further insights into the impactful work of Baby Basics, visit their website at www.baby-basics.org.uk or check out their local Long Eaton Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/bundlesofhopeandbabybasicslongeaton/
“On the second day of Christmas, in February it was... Brinsley Animal Rescue…”
This month saw us support our first animal charity of the year. With a full team of volunteers this animal rescue helps farm animals, pets and wild animals. We raised and donated money to go towards food they could buy for the animals.
To learn more about the efforts of Brinsley Animal Rescue, explore their initiatives on their website: www.brinsleyanimalrescue.org.
“On the third day of Christmas, in March.... it was NSPCC (Midlands Hub)”
March saw our team donate Easter eggs to support the Midlands Hub of NSPCC that has been providing a range of services and support to local families across the Midlands for nearly 30 years. The Easter eggs were donated to children who have faced difficult times in their young lives.
Dive deeper into the services provided by the Midlands Hub of NSPCC by visiting their website: www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/our-services/national-regional-hubs.
“On the fourth day of Christmas, in April it was… Nottinghamshire Sexual Violence Support Services.”
This charity was put forward from a team member, and we are so glad it was. We were proud to raise awareness and donated money to help Nottingham SVS Services continue providing the great service they do, but also help with the stigma surrounding sexual violence.
Uncover more about the valuable services offered by Nottingham SVS Services at www.nottssvss.org.uk.
“On the fifth day of Christmas, in May it was…. Drone to Home”
May brought us to Drone to Home, a local charity recommended by one of our team members. CEO Phil James and Managing director Rebecca, came to our offices. We were all intrigued by their efforts to locate missing dogs using drones. The funds raised helped sustain their "Dogrrific Service."
To explore the unique services of Drone to Home, visit their website: www.dronetohome.org.uk.
“On the sixth day of Christmas, in June it was… Motor Neurone Disease Association Nottingham”
A team member suggested supporting the Motor Neurone Disease Association Nottingham in June. We welcomed charity representative Chris Bull to our offices. We were moved by their commitment to aiding those suffering from MND and their families. Funds raised helped them to continue their great work.
Gain insights into the impactful work of the Motor Neurone Disease Association Nottingham by visiting their website: http://www.mnd-notts.org.uk/
“On the seventh day of Christmas, in it was…. Stonebridge City Farm”
In July, we embraced Stonebridge City Farm, a recommendation from yours truly. This oasis just outside Nottingham City Centre (can't believe it's near a city!) does more than offer a farm experience; it provides training and educational opportunities for the community. The farm is free to get in, all they ask for is donations. Money raised helps feed some of their animals.
For a closer look at Stonebridge City Farm's diverse offerings and community engagement, explore their website: www.stonebridgecityfarm.com.
“On the eighth day of Christmas, in August it was… Juno Women's Aid”
August opened our eyes to the prevalence of domestic abuse in Nottingham. Supporting Juno Women's Aid, we learnt the charity's efforts extend beyond providing a place to stay. They offer support, counselling and empowerment programmes which focus on encouraging survivors to break the cycle of abuse and rebuild their lives.
Learn more about Juno Women's Aid and their services by visiting their website: https://junowomensaid.org.uk.
“On the ninth day of Christmas, in September it was… Shoe Aid”
Visiting Shoe Aid HQ, with so many different styles, designs, colours, we went to Shoe Heaven! This is where we met CEO Andy Hughes and learnt all the amazing work they do to deliver their mission, 'make a difference and change lives.' Our team 'Stepped up in STEPtember' donating preloved Shoes and donated money, to help footwear poverty.
To discover how Shoe Aid addresses footwear poverty, visit their website: www.shoeaid.co.uk.
“On the tenth day of Christmas, in October my truelove sent to me … Guide Dogs (Nottingham)”
When a team member put this charity forward, there were many suggestions of how to fundraise for this month. Who would have thought that a 'Dog Tea Party' would be a success? 'Who let the dogs out… woof woof!'
Not one but five working dogs and their owners joined us at our offices. It has to be said it was pawsome. All money raised helped the charity to support people with sight loss, enabling them to live life on their terms.
Delve into the world of Guide Dogs (Nottingham) and their impactful initiatives at www.guidedogs.org.uk/contact-us/local-community-teams/nottingham-community-team.
Not many more charities to go…. Where was I…?
“On the eleventh day of Christmas in November it was …. Our Dementia Choir”
Well, we all sang our way into November for this choir. One of the most remarkable aspects of Our Dementia Choir is their commitment to fostering a sense of community and connection through music, especially for those facing dementia challenges. The experience left a lasting impression.
Learn more about the power of music for individuals with dementia through Our Dementia Choir's website. https://www.ourdementiachoir.com/
Drum Roll please….
“On the twelfth day of Christmas, in December it was…. St. Ann's Advice Centre Food Bank.”
Wrapping up the year, December saw us supporting St. Ann's Advice Centre Food Bank which we thought was quite fitting. A lot of people are struggling to pay bills, on low income and having to visit a food bank, when maybe they have never had to before. This year, St Ann's Advice Centre Food Bank are making special Christmas hampers for families who cannot afford to put food on the table on Christmas Day. Beyond a Christmas meal, it's about mental well-being. These hampers play a crucial role in helping these families feel a sense of normality during tough times.
A massive thank you to everyone that donated food to our collection. Not only did our team members donate, but clients, family and friends did as well. It was very kind of them all to get involved.
For additional information on St. Ann's Advice Centre and their Food Bank, explore their website: www.stannsadvice.org.uk.
How do I round 2023 up? Unusually for me, I am speechless. My colleagues will be saying 'at last we have silenced her.'
We would like to thank you for all the support and generosity to everyone that has given us over the year to these marvellous charities Also a special thank you to the staff that have nominated these charities for personal reasons.
This charitable initiative not only gave back to the community but also brought our team closer together. They got involved in raffles, spin the wheel, lunches, dress down days, cake sales, sweepstakes, a virtual horse race, gaming, quizzes, pet competition, and that's just to name but a few.
I'm all blogged out now … I would just like to wish you all very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thank you for following Page Kirk on social media – please keep it up, your likes and shares keep us motivated!
Here's to 2024, keep an eye out, our next charity initiative will be revealed soon.