Reflecting on a Year of Supporting PASIC

Our charity coordinator, Amanda Dawes of Page Kirk Accountants and Page Kirk Financial Services, takes a moment to reflect on supporting a charity that does a huge amount for families. It’s been an honour to be part of their story in 2024.

As the year draws to a close, it’s incredible to look back and reflect on our journey supporting PASIC, a charity that has captured the hearts of everyone here at Page Kirk. It feels like just yesterday when I reached out to our team, asking them to nominate a charity to support in 2024. One of our colleagues suggested PASIC after learning about their incredible work through RSViP, a networking group we’re proud to be a part of.

The suggestion sparked something special within our team. The passion and dedication of PASIC, a charity supporting families of children facing cancer, resonated deeply, and it was chosen as our charity for the year.

When your child is diagnosed with cancer, normal life stops. Everything changes and priorities are turned upside down overnight. PASIC is there for these families, stepping in with hands-on support when it’s needed most. From financial grants, to counselling for parents and siblings, they help families cope with the emotional and practical challenges of childhood cancer. PASIC also organises activities for sick children and their siblings, helping to maintain a sense of normality during such difficult times.

Throughout 2024, our team has been committed to raising both funds and awareness for PASIC, and we’ve done so in true Page Kirk style, combining creativity and care. Here’s a look back at some of the highlights from our year of fundraising:

Monthly Dress Down Days: Our team swapped ties and formal shoes for casual wear every month, donating to PASIC in return.

February: Love was in the air with our Valentine’s raffle, bringing a little romance to the office and raising funds for a great cause.

March: Easter saw us collecting Easter eggs to brighten the days of the children supported by PASIC.

April: Yellow Day brought sunshine to the office, with yellow-themed treats and outfits, including some quirky yellow noses!

May: Lucky-dip bags, filled with yellow-themed prizes, helped us to raise more funds. Everything from bananas to bottles of white wine brought plenty of smiles.

June: A summer highlight was our raffle for Wimbledon tickets, sparking excitement among staff and boosting our fundraising total.

July: “Guess the bear’s name” was a hit, with Gerald the Mood Bear stealing the show.

October: We held a charity bake sale, including cheese cake and cherry cake.

November: Toiletries were collected for care packages to support parents of children facing illnesses, offering a small gesture of comfort during challenging times.

December: We’ve ended the year in festive style with a Christmas Jumper Day and a drinks raffle, spreading holiday cheer while raising funds.

Our fundraising efforts didn’t stop there. Throughout the year, we organised sweepstakes for the Grand National, the Euros and the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championships, adding a touch of competition to our charity initiatives.

One of the most moving moments of the year for me was attending PASIC’s Spring Party in April. Held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel with a superhero theme, it was an unforgettable experience. From games and face painting to a disco and a raffle, the event created a magical environment where children and their families could simply be themselves.

Seeing at first hand the joy and sense of community that PASIC brings to these families was eye-opening and humbling. It shows the importance of the work they do, offering not just practical support, but moments of happiness and connection that make a real difference in lives touched by childhood cancer.

We feel privileged to have had the opportunity to support PASIC throughout 2024. Their work inspires us, and we’re proud to have played a small part in helping them continue to provide such vital services to families in need.

I have loved working with PASIC and inspiring the team by coordinating our charity efforts. Thank you to all our staff and friends that have helped throughout the year.

PASIC’s impact is profound, and we encourage everyone to learn more about their incredible work at www.pasic.org.uk.