Platform hands cheque to children’s charity - £43k, alongside donating 1000 pairs of shoes!

Above: Platform Housing Groups’ Executive Team, alongside key fundraising colleagues, present Paul Maplesden from Newlife cheque for over £43k 
 

Earlier this month, we handed Newlife, a midlands-based children’s charity, a cheque for over £43,000. The money was raised by colleagues from across the group, through a variety of challenging and fun fundraising events and was kindly match funded by its Board who added an additional £20,000 to the pot; bringing the grand total to £43,533.48.  
 
The money was raised through events such as; a 200 mile/2-day cycle ride, 16 colleagues taking part in the London Landmarks Half Marathon, bake sales, plant sales, de-labelling and clothing sales, alongside raffles. 
 
We have a volunteer fundraising committee, made up of members of the business, who support the corporate fundraising efforts each year. Each year We fundraise for a different charity, as nominated by its staff. 
 
Clare Durnin, Executive Director of Corporate Resources at Platform, and a key member of the Fundraising Committee said, “Part of our responsibility as a social landlord is to support the local communities we serve. What better way to do that, than to fundraise in aid of charities who support our customers and their families.” She added; “It’s been a joy fundraising for Newlife, finding out how they support our local families and how the money we’ve donated, raised by our amazing people, will make a real difference”. Finally saying, “Our fundraising committee are all volunteers, I'd like to say a big thank you to all of them for dedicating their spare time and efforts to our charity fundraising”. 
 
Craig Stewart, Head of Community and Corporate Partnerships for Newlife said: “We were thrilled when colleagues at Platform Housing Group decided to support our work, and we developed a fabulous working relationship with them. It has been a fantastic 12 months, and we hope our relationship can continue to grow. Both of our organisations have people at the heart of what we do so it was a perfect match! We are so grateful for their support.” 
 
Elizabeth Froude, Chief Executive of Platform Housing reiterated Clare's words by saying; “I’m so very pleased that all of our colleagues at Platform stepped up and supported such a worthy charity. 

It was a very proud moment for us to be able to match their fundraising and give this wonderful total to Newlife, which I know was much appreciated; and will make a real difference to so many families”. 

 
Alongside this, colleagues from Platform also donated over 1,000 pairs of shoes to another local charity – Shoe Aid. Shoe Aid distribute shoes to those in need; helping the local communities Platform serves, across the Midlands and beyond.  
 
This financial year – 2024-25, Platforms’ charity of the year is Dementia UK.