New charity partner, the National Deaf Children’s Society…
The Access Group, a leading provider of business software to mid-sized UK organisations, has announced ambitious fundraising plans for its new charity partner, the National Deaf Children’s Society.
The Access Group, which last year raised £280,000 for the medical research charity DEBRA, is creating a range of activities and challenges for its 2,000 UK staff to take part in over the next twelve months. The Access Group has also pledged to match every penny raised by staff for the charity, committing to “the incredible power companies have to transform lives when they give to charity”.
A world without barriers
The National Deaf Children’s Society is the leading charity dedicated to creating a world without barriers for the UK’s 50,000 deaf children and their families. The charity helps deaf children thrive by providing impartial, practical and emotional support, putting on events for families and by challenging governments to do everything they can to improve the lives of deaf children.
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The Access Group has already planned a wide variety of exciting fundraising events across the company’s 30-plus regional offices, ranging from bake sales, wine tastings, cinema nights and golf days to physical challenges such as football tournaments, mountain climbs, bike rides, triathlons, marathons and ‘tough mudders’.
The Access Group also plans to donate its expertise in business software solutions to the National Deaf Children’s Society on a pro bono basis. In return, the charity has agreed to deliver deaf awareness and British Sign Language workshops to the company’s staff.
Challenges faced
The National Deaf Children’s Society became the company’s charity partner after staff members Adam and Kayleigh Freeman, who work at The Access Group’s Sheffield office, nominated them. Their young son, Henry, 1, was born profoundly deaf and the couple made an emotional video about the challenges they and Henry faced, which convinced the company to choose the charity.
Kayleigh and Adam are receiving ongoing support from the National Deaf Children’s Society and have already started raising money for the charity’s work. Adam completed the London Triathlon for the charity in July, raising over £3,600.
Rachel Clark, who supports corporate partnerships at the National Deaf Children’s Society, said: “I want to say a huge thank you to everyone at The Access Group for choosing us as their Charity of the Year, and for taking part in so many incredible fundraising activities for us. You’re all absolute stars – but I’d like to single out Adam, Kayleigh and little Henry for special praise because they really championed our cause and shared their story so passionately.
Transforming lives
“All of the money raised by The Access Group will help us to transform the lives of deaf children right across the country. From providing one to one support , being a shoulder to lean on when times are tough, putting on incredible events for deaf young people, to campaigning for change – our support will grow and develop thanks to the wonderful team at The Access Group.”
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Chris Bayne, CEO of The Access Group, said: “I am incredibly proud of our commitment to our Charity of the Year initiative. The efforts made by everyone at Access in previous years to raise funds and awareness are extraordinary, and I’m sure this year will be even bigger and better. The fact there is such a personal connection within our Access family to the National Deaf Children’s Society will only strengthen our determination.
Passionate about giving back
“At Access, we understand everyone can make a difference. We are passionate about giving back, from electing our Charity of the Year and various fundraising activities, paid days to help a charity or good cause, and the opportunity to give back as you earn. Everyone has the chance to get involved. The incredible accomplishment of our team so far will continue to inspire us and sets a fantastic benchmark for our fundraising activities in the coming year.”
Adam Freeman said: “The National Deaf Children’s Society were there for us when our world fell apart after our newly born son, Henry, was diagnosed as deaf at only a couple of weeks old. The education and emotional support they continue to give us is something we never take for granted. We nominated the National Deaf Children’s Society for our Charity of the Year to allow us to raise valuable funds so that other families like ours can get the support and education they need.
“Both Access and the charity supported us through some challenging times, and it’s a privilege that two fantastic organisations can come together to change the lives of deaf children and their families for the better.”
