2019 charities at OAL
At OAL we are passionate about supporting good causes, both locally and further afield. We’re always coming up with new ideas of ways to raise funds and awareness for our chosen charities, which are usually put forward by our team members. Not only this, but we also have an ongoing partnership with Kidsafe, a nationwide organisation which works towards creating a world in which children are aware of the dangers they face.
Here we round up the charities we supported in 2019.
Q1 – Peterborough Soup Kitchen
In February 2019, we held a Valentine’s day bake sale and raffle to raise funds for the Peterborough Soup Kitchen. The charity’s principal aim is to ensure that homeless and disadvantaged people in Peterborough receive hot food and drinks throughout the year. Between 35 and 60 people are served each day, making the soup kitchen a vital part of the local community, and we were proud to have been able to support this worthwhile cause for our first quarter.
Q2 – Addenbrookes Neuro Critical Care Unit (NCCU)
To coincide with the Grand National in April, we held a sweepstake across the business to raise money for the NCCU. Approximately 1,100 patients are treated each year on the NCCU, of which a large proportion have neurological or neuro surgically related illnesses. The NCCU works tirelessly to provide intensive care that can ultimately minimise disability and maximise potential for recovery. Our sweepstake meant we could raise funds to support the critical care unit, while engaging in some light competition across the business!
Q3 – British Lung Foundation: Breathe Easy Group
July saw us hold a diversity lunch with a dual purpose. We wanted to celebrate the diversity of our team through everyone’s favourite medium: food, while simultaneously raising money for the British Lung Foundation: Breathe Easy group in Peterborough. This valuable group offers support and research into lung conditions to ultimately prevent, treat and cure lung diseases. Amongst our cuisine we saw a cheese and pineapple hedgehog, Polish croquettes, beef rendang and un gâteau au chocolat – what a feast from our multicultural team!
Q4 – Peterborough Food Bank
Our final nominated charity was the Peterborough Food Bank. We coincided our fundraising with the Great British Bake Off final and had our very own OAL Bake Off to raise much-needed funds, as well as organising a food bank collection across the business. We were able to donate over three boxes worth (80kg!) of food to the Peterborough Food Bank in time for Christmas. With the need for emergency parcels growing by 23% versus the same period in 2018, we’re committed to doing all we can to help families in Peterborough who are struggling.