Charity committee reflects ahead of fundraising plans

After celebrating an incredible fundraising milestone in 2024, Willans’ charity committee reflect on funds raised for Cheltenham Open Door, and look ahead to plans for the coming year.

Many of the committee’s fundraising events and activities have become firm favourites in the Willans calendar, which our team of over 120 staff actively partake in. In 2024, Willans’ charity fundraising total surpassed £120,000, which has benefitted a range of charitable projects across the county for over a decade.

After announcing our 2024-2026 charity partnership with Cheltenham Open Door, the committee has so far raised over £2,000 through a local business bowling competition, harvest festival and annual Christmas carol concert, as well as collected over 750kg of food donations for the charity.

“It’s the most we’ve raised at this point in any charity partnership, which gives us hope that we can set the bar in 2025 and raise even more.”

Speaking about plans for the year ahead, co-chair of the committee Megan Bullingham said: “In April, many of our staff will take part in our annual ‘Great British Bake Off’-inspired competition, with bakers and tasters donating to decide the best Easter bakes.

“We want to support the charity in as many ways as possible, so we’re currently organising a staff volunteering week, where each day members of our team will help to cook a hot lunchtime meal at Cheltenham Open Door’s guest centre. We also have further event ideas to explore for the year ahead, so watch this space. ”

If you would like to donate to Cheltenham Open Door and help Willans to reach their 2024-26 fundraising goal, visit our Just Giving page.

Find out more about Willans’ commitment to charitable, sustainable and community initiatives.