Wesleyan extends fundraising partnership with Birmingham Children’s Hospital

WESLEYAN, the Birmingham-based insurance and financial services firm, has marked its sponsorship of Birmingham Children’s Hospital’s BIG Bandage appeal by announcing plans to extend its fundraising partnership until the end of 2016.

By extending the link for a further two years, Wesleyan will be able to help the Birmingham Children’s Hospital hit its £4m fundraising target so it can renovate its world renowned facilities.

The company has already raised more than £180,000 for its neighbour in Birmingham city centre after staff selected it as its chosen charity in 2013, with the intention of raising £250,000 by the end of this year.

Louise McCathie, director of fundraising at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, said: “This significant extension of our partnership will make a huge difference to the lives of our brave patients and their families as we work towards creating a world class Children’s Cancer Centre.”

Liz McKenzie, group corporate services director and chair of Wesleyan’s Charity Advisory Committee, said: “Everyone at Wesleyan is passionate about supporting the hospital and after hitting our initial target we wanted to carry on supporting this great cause.

“We want to raise £250,000 by the end of this year, but we have even bigger plans for the years ahead.”

Hollywood Monster gives its backing to ShardFest

BIRMINGHAM signing and graphics firm Hollywood Monster has supported the very first ShardFest, a community-organised festival in the city suburb of Shard End.

Planned by the local community, the event received backing from Tyseley-based firm which signed up as headline sponsor.

Hollywood Monster provided the Shardfest organising committee with funds to make the event happen. The money went towards a full programme of activities help ignite pride in local residents, celebrate the area’s history and motivate young people.

Tim Andrews, managing director at Hollywood Monster, said: “When I heard about ShardFest I was really keen to help.

“Whilst Hollywood Monster operates on a national and international scale, it’s important for us to support the local community and Shardfest is a brilliant example of people getting up and making things happen.”

Big Tick for DBS Law’s road safety campaign

MIDLANDS-based law firm DBS Law has received national recognition for its on-going commitment to educate young people about road safety.

Organised by Business in the Community, a business-led charity, the Responsible Business Awards 2014 identifies, celebrates and showcases businesses that demonstrate a positive, sustainable and societal impact.

DBS Law won the Big Tick in the ‘Business in the Community’ category for its ‘Clock on to Safety’ initiative, which has provided road safety training for thousands of school children in Birmingham.

The programme, run in partnership with Birmingham City Council, has involved lawyers from DBS Law visiting schools and teaching children to think about the dangers they face when crossing the road.

As part of the initiative, DBS Law also commissioned the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra to compose a road safety musical.

Davinder Bal, chairman of DBS Law, said: “Our solicitors who deal with personal injury are all too aware of the tragic consequences that can arise from a car crash.

“It’s a sad fact that around 60 children in this country die every year crossing the roads and thousands more are seriously injured.

“We are committed to continuing with our Clock on to Safety campaign to reach as many children as possible.”

Guestline kick-starts fundraising appeal

SHREWSBURY-based hospitality software provider Guestline has kick-started a member of staff’s fundraising appeal with a cash injection of £400.

Sales team leader Helen Johnstone is taking part in the Women V Cancer 250 mile, five day cycle ride across Cuba in October and is aiming to raise more than £4,000.

The money Helen raises will help in the fight against cancer by supporting the work of three charities; Breast Cancer Care, Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust and Ovarian Cancer Action.

Guestline directors donated the £400 to start the appeal which has also included a number of fund-raisers including the Guestline Bake-Off, a raffle and a Valentines’ Supper.