Tchad Western, chief fun officer at The Children’s Hospital Charity gives his thoughts on Corporate Social Responsibility.
How has the COVID-19 pandemic changed fundraising?
Over the past few years, we’ve seen a profound and fundamental shift in how we raise money at The Children’s Hospital Charity. Like the rest of the world, we’ve embraced the world of virtual calls and the pandemic has seen an overwhelming desire from people to do good.
As the world opens again, it’s also been wonderful to have more face-to-face meetings. Virtual meetings have many advantages, from reducing costs, carbon footprint, and travel - but you can’t replicate the connection you build in person.
For the Charity, what was predicted to have been a disastrous time for our corporate fundraising has thankfully been healthier than expected. That’s a result of the business relationships we have regionally and nationally, alongside the special place Sheffield Children’s, holds in the hearts of so many.
Why should businesses adopt a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Strategy?
We’re seeing more and more that employees are placing a higher value on the ethos of organisations and their social responsibility efforts. With vacancies predicted to surge in the coming months, for recruitment it’s an area that no business can afford to overlook. It's good for your business, it’s good for your employees and for your customers.
There are benefits for the charity you support too. Over my ten years at The Children’s Hospital Charity, our business partnerships have helped us invest in an extraordinary new wing with three world-class wards, a 3T MRI scanner and most recently a new Cancer and Leukaemia ward.
Why do businesses fundraise for The Children’s Hospital Charity?
It’s often a personal connection to Sheffield Children’s that inspires support. Many have also been inspired by seeing one of The Charity Team give a talk or engaging with an event.
For the Charity Team, it’s all about partnerships, not short-lived relationships that end with a cheque presentation. We want you to be involved in our journey and we want to play our part in yours too. Not only do long-term relationships grow our fundraising, but it also grows our friendships and I love that.
How can businesses help The Children’s Hospital Charity this year?
Book a snowflake at Christmas, play football, take part in an event. Your support is vital. If businesses come forward, we will start building a Helipad this Christmas and it should be complete in 2023. That is life-transforming for the Major Trauma patients, who need critical care.
If you or your business could help make that dream a reality, please visit: www.tchc.org.uk/corporate-giving/
Look out for Tchad Western on the next unLTD podcast, talking all things CSR and how your business can make a big impact.
