Local sales company Branch was set an ‘Apprentice’ style charity fundraising challenge by their version of Sir Alan Sugar, MD Nick Parry, on their final day of 2014 and raised £3000.
For the final working day of 2014 usual business was suspended and the 12 strong workforce was split in two competing teams.
The team who made the most money for the chosen charity, Bath Rugby Foundation, won. Combining both team’s totals; ‘Team Branch’ raised in excess of £3,000.
Mandy Gardner, General Manger, Bath Rugby Foundation said: “When Branch approached the Foundation to suggest a fundraising day, we thought they would raise about £500 for us which in itself would be a wonderful sum of money.
“To receive a phone call telling us they had raised £3000 was absolutely fantastic; I have to say that we have been amazed by the effort put in by the entire team. From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank Branch for an outstanding effort.”
Both teams spent the day reaching out to local businesses and working their personal networks to raise as much money for this great local charity.
After a nail-biting nip & tuck contest featuring auctions, challenges, and “5 minutes of nonsense”, and over £3,000 generated for the Foundation, Team Zen led by project manager Ezekiel Dixon-Carter (21) ultimately prevailed narrowly beating Team Strong led by Chris Withey (19).
Ezekiel said: “Since joining Branch earlier this year I have learnt a lot, and to be given the opportunity to Project Manage a task as important as this, is going to be invaluable to my development. Obviously guiding a winning team makes it all the sweeter!”
This is not Branch’s first foray into team-based charitable giving, the company (which specialises in helping businesses grow their sales pipeline) previously took part in the popular Movember campaign, but this is the first time they have orchestrated their own event.
Branch hopes to continue its work with Bath Rugby Foundation throughout the year and is delighted to have been able to support this great local charity.
The Foundation enhances the lives of young people through sport, with a particular focus on those with social and other disadvantages. It aims to impart the values of camaraderie, loyalty, discipline and respect found in rugby.
Nick Parry, MD of Branch, said: “I’m passionate about supporting local charities, particularly those that support the development of young people, so Bath Rugby Foundation is a perfect fit.
“This event allowed us to give back to the community alongside presenting a great learning opportunity for our staff.”
The competitive fundraising portion of the challenge was completed by 9pm on the 19th December, although donations have been trickling in since and a site for donation will remain active for a while yet.
As a reward for their generosity all the donors had their name attached to one balloon per £10 donated.
This barrage of balloons was released from Branch HQ last weekend with instructions asking whoever finds the remains to email Branch, with the balloons that travels the furthest by the 1st of February winning some fantastic prizes (including a Thermae Spa package for two) for its generous benefactor.
