Staff go red for British Heart Foundation
31 January 2007
Chelsea Building Society staff get their heart racing for its 2007 staff charity of the year
Staff from Chelsea Building Society’s head office in Cheltenham today launched its 2007 staff charity of the year, British Heart Foundation in the grounds of Thirlestaine Hall. All staff were invited to wear red for the day and the occasion was launched with 200 red carnations and heart shaped balloons.
Account Manager for British Heart Foundation, Samantha Hey and Chelsea’s Chief Executive, Richard Hornbrook, officially announced the charity of the year and a heart shape was made on the front lawn by staff to launch the charity.
At the end of the launch all 200 red carnations were donated to the cardiac ward at Cheltenham General hospital.
"It’s been great fun launching the charity today, we've had Chelsea's lion mascot, and British Heart Foundation’s mascot ’Hearty’ and we hope that this year will be a record breaking year for staff fundraising" said Richard Hornbrook.
British Heart Foundation was chosen by staff after charities were invited to apply to be the staff charity of the year in November last year. From a short list of 5 charities British Heart Foundation was chosen by Chelsea employees as their chosen charity for 2007.
Chelsea staff will have the opportunity to take part in numerous events throughout the year to raise vital funds for British Heart Foundation. A calendar of events has been drawn up including various raffles, runs, bike rides, quizzes, abseils and so much more throughout the year. The first event all staff will be taking part in will be British Heart Foundation’s Valentine Appeal next month.
"We've had staff really embracing the charity already, one member of staff has so far raised £2,500 doing a sponsored swim and we’ve also set up a book, video, CD and DVD swap shop. This was set up mainly to encourage staff to bring in things around the home they no longer need and allowing others to have them in return for a £1 donation" said Katie Wooldridge, Community Support Officer for Chelsea.
Last years staff charity of the year was Macmillan Cancer Support and staff raised just over £20,000 for the cause.
Notes
- British Heart Foundation is a registered charity number 225971
- Chelsea is the UK's 6 th largest building society with assets of over £10bn.
- Chelsea Building Society is one of the largest employers in Gloucestershire and the Southwest
- Chelsea's local branch is at 137 High Street, Cheltenham
- For press enquiries please contact Susie Ratcliffe on 01242 271332 or 07739 821356.
