100 days of imPACT
It’s been over 100 days since we partnered with adoption and trauma recovery charity, Parents and Children Together (PACT). In that short time, AWE colleagues have learnt about the vital services the charity provides and the positive impact it has on those it supports, while arranging and taking part in several volunteering and fundraising activities.
Mark Hedges, AWE’s Executive Director of Estates and Liabilities, visited Alana House, PACT’s flagship community project that provides help and support to women facing disadvantages or challenges. Mark had the opportunity to meet the team and a service user at a session to hear first-hand how this vital service supports those who need it.
Fundraising kicked off with a science show delivered in partnership with The Royal Institution at the Aldermaston Recreational Society. Tickets were gifted to children who are supported by PACT’s Bounce Back 4 Kids (BB4K) programme, and the event raised £2,000 through ticket sales.
Over the Christmas period colleagues took part in Christmas Jumper Day to raise funds and donated gifts and toiletries for women and children supported by the charity. Mark Hedges and other colleagues from the senior leadership team visited PACT to support the Christmas present collection by sorting donations and showing off their wrapping skills.
“I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to visit Alana House, one of PACT’s support centres, and meet with the fantastic team and an individual they have supported through a traumatic time. I didn’t know what to expect during my visit but what really stuck out to me was how clearly our values align with creating a safe and secure environment for our people and communities.
“It was great to then return to PACT in the run up to Christmas along with my colleagues to learn more about the variety of different ways the charity supports women and children. Seeing the breadth of support available is incredible.”
“I am excited to see how the partnership develops and how both organisations work together in support of our missions.”
Mark Hedges, Executive Director Estates and Liabilities
Colleagues have been encouraged to share their fundraising activity ideas, and a recent Valentine’s Day themed bake sale raised £300.
This month, AWE launched PACT ‘£50 to the max’ to colleagues, an Apprentice-style challenge in which they multiply £50 seed money with the aim of raising £10,000 by the end of March. This provides a great opportunity for colleagues to test their entrepreneurial skills individually or as teams. AWE has already seen several teams gearing up for the challenge!
Representatives from PACT also visited Aldermaston and Burghfield as part of International Women’s Day, providing colleagues with opportunities to learn more about their work.
Looking ahead there’s many more activities planned, including a bake off, a virtual marathon challenge, volunteering days, science shows, workshops and so much more.
“We are incredibly inspired by the support from AWE’s people. Our partnership is still in its early days, but their dedication and generosity has already made such an impact on our work. Not only is this partnership supporting us to make a difference and create positive futures for so many women and children, it is also providing us opportunities to raise awareness of the incredible work our teams do, and helping our services reach more people who may be in need.”
“Thank you to everyone who has taken part in supporting us so far. We’re looking forward to meeting many more of AWE’s people and seeing more fundraising activities get underway this year.”
Natausha van Vliet, PACT Chief Executive
