Sugar Bake Sale held on Gdynia site on 14th February 2017 marked the end of the Cancer Awareness Week that we run as part of our tribute to the World Cancer Day, celebrated annually on 4th February. We raised 1,900 PLN that went to support patients undergoing cancer treatment from the Academy for Cancer Fight in Gdansk.
This institution, under The Hospice Foundation supervision, provides an extra help for those finding out about the disease. The academy organizes different kinds of workshops, activities and most importantly offers psychological help to people coping with the new reality they need to face. The money was used to fund lectures and teachers and to pay rent for the gym room where patients can regularly engage in physical exercises. This week was really special. Not only because we hit one of our highest figures when it comes to the fundraising events but most importantly because we were able to achieve that through excellent teamwork. Our colleagues in another office simultaneously held a special edition of the event and it was thanks to the fast and effective communication between two locations that we could manage the amount of dishes prepared and answer the demands of each site. It proved yet again that teamwork and collaboration are vital for any action taken, especially when joining forces in tackling social issues together. Voices need to be heard and they belong to people who are willing to sacrifice their time and efforts in order to make a difference. Big, big thank you to all the Volunteers for making it happen! On 15th November we came to open the Harvest Season officially together, treat our colleagues to the delicious autumn snacks and gather funds for the purchase of personal hygiene materials for the Foundation Hospice in Gdansk that finds itself in a constant need of sanitation materials such as adult diapers, hygienic creme, soaps etc. This charity event was organized to honor and play tribute to World Toilet Day taking place on 19th November.
In the light of tragic events in Italy that took place on 24th August 2016 we decided to join the global initiative that has started in Italy after an earthquake hit towns in the Appenine Mountains including Amatrice where this signature dish originates from. After the appeal was launched by an Italian blogger - Paolo Campana, chefs around the world put pasta all'amatriciana on their menus donating £2 for every serving sold to honor those who died and support the victims. Employees that come from Italy wanted to join the movement and together we organized the corporate version of the global culinary initiative. Money collected was donated to Italian Red Cross.
Pomerania for Children Hospice (Hospicjum Pomorze Dzieciom) has been founded in 2014 and is providing 24/7 healthcare to around 20 little patients. It caught my attention because of its mission to add life to the days if we cannot add adds to their lives. Event though relatively new, the Hospice operates very effectively and with a clear goal in mind. And that is giving children a chance to find peace surrounded by loving people in a place where they feel safe the most - HOME. It also offers psychological support to the families already in mourning. Unfortunately the National Health Fund in Poland refused to support the Hospice financially until 2017 when it was possible to apply for funding again. To that date the Hospice existed only thanks to the sponsors and donors who helped it survive another year. The goal of this charity event was to support the Hospice financially as well as extend the range of company's community investment making our employees turn their heads to the overall situation of the Hospices in our region.
Healthy Bake Sale that took place in the beginning of the year 2016 was another fundraising event to support English Winter Camp 2016. I chose this theme in order to promote healthy lifestyle and ignite food awareness among our employees. We have seen a massive increase in lactose and gluten free diets over the last couple of years so this event hit the spot when it comes to meeting the employees' demands while rising 1,652 PLN to support the cause.
|