At Saint & Co, we specialise in helping UK-based charities and non-profit organisations to thrive. When the finances are taken care of, and you know you’re making the most of your available funding, you’re able to put all of your energy and resources into supporting those at the heart of your cause.

But we care about more than just making sure you’re ticking the right boxes. Your work is personal to us, too. We’re passionate about the social impact charities have on our communities and the wider world, which is why it has been our tradition to show our gratitude and support with personal donations to a charity nominated by our staff or clients. 

Recently, the team harnessed their creativity and poured all their fundraising efforts into raising money for Parkinsons UK, a cause that hit close to home. 

Why we chose Parkinsons UK as our charity of the year

Parkinson’s UK was nominated by one of Saint & Co’s long standing clients, Mrs Carol Bousfield, who has been involved with the charity for over thirty years after her husband received a diagnosis. 

The Parkinsons Disease Society, now Parkinsons UK, was founded by Mali Jenkins in 1969 to drive better care, treatment and quality of life for people living with the debilitating effects of the condition. Parkinson’s UK has three aims – to help patients and their relatives with the problems arising from Parkinson’s, to collect and disseminate information on Parkinsons, and to encourage and provide funds for research. 

A long way from their beginnings in a one office room in Putney, London, Parkinsons UK is now a dynamic network of expert staff, health and social care professionals, volunteers and researchers. 

To show our personal support, the team at Saint & Co banded together to find creative ways to contribute, holding a dedicated cake sale and Christmas jumper day, and donating cash in place of sending Christmas cards over the festive period. (To anyone who didn’t get a Christmas card from us this year, know that it was due to a good cause!) 

In total, our combined efforts raised a fabulous £300.90 for the charity. 

Abby Robinson, Cumbria and North East Regional Fundraiser at Parkinson’s UK, said “I’d like to say a big thank you and congratulations to the staff at Saint & Co Carlisle Office for supporting the work of Parkinson’s UK through their Christmas fundraising events. As the Parkinson’s UK support and research charity, we’re leading the work to find better treatments and a cure, and we’re closer than ever. But our work is totally dependent on donations. I hope that Saint & Co inspire other businesses to raise funds and team build at the same time!” 

Make the most of donations in tough times

2019 was a difficult year for charitable organisations in the UK. According to the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) organisations saw a demand for their services soar, and expect the higher level of demand to continue through 2020. 

We wrote this blog just before Christmas to help charities prepare for the challenges they’ll likely face in the next year during economic uncertainty. It’s worth the read, particularly for those who have already been feeling the strain. 

If you are a charity in need of advice or support with your finances, chat to our friendly team at Saint & Co Carlisle

Otherwise, if you’re feeling inspired and would like to get involved with Parkinson’s UK, you can visit their website here for more information. All donations will be welcome!