Christmas party charity idea raises £1.3m in six weeks

A campaign started by a Bolton businessman urging businesses to donate their unused Christmas party budgets to charity has raised more than £1.3m in less than six weeks since it launched.

Mark Hawthorn, chief executive of real estate business Landmark Group, created Xmas Party Heroes after realising that many businesses, like his, will have budgeted for festive celebrations that were not going to be happening.

Landmark Group have donated over £50,000 themselves, with £15,000 of that going to Onside Youth Zones, a charity building a national network of youth clubs for youngsters aged eight to 19.

Hawthorn said: “A few short weeks ago we realised that we wouldn’t be able to enjoy our usual staff Xmas Party or any other entertaining. This left a generous budget surplus, and an obvious option to simply donate it to charities, who are in need now more than ever. This immediately led to the realisation that a great number of other businesses would be in a similar position who could – and where possible should – do the same.

“We launched the Xmas Party Heroes concept to our network of close contacts and suppliers, where it quickly gained traction, before taking over our lives in the nicest possible way.”

Companies from across the North West and nationwide have already pledged money to charities, including Redrow Homes, Timpson, EY, Invesco, Together Money and Urban Splash.

Timpson chief executive James Timpson OBE said: “This is a great idea for companies to help others when they can’t celebrate Christmas with their colleagues. I’m amazed it’s not been thought of before.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson hands over a Points of Light Award to Mark Hawthorn (Credit: Pippa Fowles / No 10 Downing Street.)

Hawthorn’s efforts have been recognised by the Prime Minister, who handed over a Points of Light Award in person on a visit to Bolton last week.

Mr Johnson said: “The Christmas season is fleeting, but as we take down the tree and pack away the decorations, the millions of pounds that you have raised for over 300 charities will touch people’s lives for the better for years to come.”