So, I have been thinking about Christmas. I know – shush right? “Too soon” I hear you cry! (56 sleeps!!)
The reason for my Christmas thoughts is due to some lovely company baubles I saw recently and then thoughts of a company Christmas card. Now that Ask the Chameleon is nearly 5, I was musing that it might be time to consider entering the complex world of festive corporate promotional activity…
I got some quotes and thought about colours and words and all that glittery stuff, and so nearly got carried away. And then it dawned on me; what else could I do with that money (especially when I added the pesky VAT)?
I also have some great news to share. I have recently become a trustee of a Derby based charity. You would think with my background that I have done this before, but I haven’t. I wanted to learn more about running a charity from another point of view, and when Annabel’s Angels advertised 2 positions I knew I had to apply. And I was successful!
It really is the most amazing and unique charity – focusing on supporting people in Derby receiving treatment for cancer, relying solely on donations (no funding applications here) and supporting people with practical help to manage their day to day lives (such as taxi fares, tradespeople, meals, short breaks). Check them out www.annabelsangels.co.uk
But all charities do the most amazing things, and it continues to be my privilege to work with many in the Derby area and beyond over the past nearly 20 years (gulp!).
Did you know there are 3,671 charities registered on Community Directory Derbyshire, and it’s estimated that there are over 160,000 registered charities in the UK? The UK figures aren’t accurate as not every charity is registered, and there are so many sports and social clubs and unincorporated organisations, it can be impossible to be sure exactly how many there are. Local charities face far greater challenges in raising awareness than the national big boys – Oxfam, Cancer Research, RSPCA, Red Cross, Age UK and so on – but all of them work with the most vulnerable in our society and are in need of support. It can be so hard to choose.
But did you know that if your company gives a donation to a charity, you can get tax relief? You can ask your accountant for advice on your own specific situation but here are some general points:-
So, the most difficult decision is surely which charity to choose so that you make Christmas a little bit better for someone (or many) this year….
If you would like to talk to me about how your Company could help Annabel’s Angels either through a donation or through corporate sponsorship/team building events, I would dearly love to hear from you, so please get in touch, [email protected]
Merry Christmas! (still too soon?!)
