News
27/10/2009
How you & I can help G.O.S.H. this Christmas
This Christmas, lots of people are cutting back on their spending. The government is cutting costs, businesses are reducing margins, and individuals are saving money wherever they can...so where does this leave the charities?
In 2007, it is estimated that charitable donations fell by £200 million in the UK alone, compared to the year before. In 2008, that figure fell even more, so what is expected of 2009? With the credit crunch showing few signs of slowing down, and businesses all over the UK falling into administration, it's no wonder people are reluctant to give away their money, even if it is spare change - especially at Christmas time.
Since Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital opened in 1852, it has always relied on donations from the public to keep running. Currently, the charity needs to raise £50 million a year in order for the hospital to continue to give the lifesaving care it does today. This money goes towards keeping the hospital’s buildings in good condition, refurbishing those that need it and more importantly, supplying the wards with hi-spec modern equipment and machines to help its tiny patients.
One of Great Ormond Street’s three primary aims has always been research - pioneering medical research, which not only saves thousands of childrens' lives now, but is guaranteed to help sick children for generations to come. With a huge team of specialists, treating over 150,000 children a year, they are the best children’s hospital in the UK.
Here at The Kenton Group, we happily joined the Christmas Poster campaign last year, which had 2 benefits for those that joined: It saved us all money on Christmas greetings cards, and it brought the hospital one step closer to reaching its £50 million target. This year, we have signed up again, and we think we need to pass the word along to other businesses in the UK.
The Christmas Poster campaign features a poster designed by a Great Ormond Street patient, and some stickers. The aim is that all of your staff donates a small amount – around £1 or £2, to write a message on one of the stickers and display it on the poster. Put the poster in an important place, and watch the donation pot fill up! After Christmas, once everyone has made their donation, simply fill in the money returns form, complete the GiftAid section, and send it off to G.O.S.H.
GiftAid allows charities such as G.O.S.H. to re-claim the tax you pay on your donations (currently 28p for every £1 you donate) If you are a UK tax payer. Simply fill in the GiftAid declaration, and donate as much as you wish. GiftAid will do the rest for you.
"The Kenton Group are pleased to support the Christmas Poster campaign again this year, after last year's efforts were such a great success. We hope that by recommending this to our customers and suppliers alike, more businesses will get involved this year and raise money for a brilliant cause." Explained Lee Palmer, Commercial Director of The Kenton Group.
For information on how to join in the G.O.S.H. Christmas Poster campaign, please visit the charity website: http://www.gosh.org and select "Festive Poster". There are also corporate E-Cards available,
To speak to us about our other charitable activities please contact Hayley Newman on +44(0)1322 552000, alternatively please email hayley.newman@thekentongroup.com
