Bedford charities benefit from 12 Days of Giving campaign

More than 94,000 people nominated thousands of good causes as part of specialist insurer Ecclesiastical’s annual 12 Days of Giving campaign, which donated £120,000 to 120 charities. Two of the winning charities are helping to make a real difference in Bedford. 

 

Bedford and District Cerebral Palsy Society provides specialist support for those living with cerebral palsy in the Bedford area. The charity also provides play schemes and youth clubs for disabled young people as well as support and funding for families, parents and carers. 

 

Jane Howard-White, Services Director at the Bedford and District Cerebral Palsy Society commented: “We’re so grateful to everyone who took the time to nominate us during the 12 Days of Giving campaign. We are a small local charity and this £1,000 boost will make a real difference to the lives of the children and families we work with.” 

Phoenix French Bulldog Rescue rehomes French Bulldogs in need and aims to educate the public about the breed and promote good ownership.

 

Teresa Cargill, Founder and Trustee at Phoenix French Bulldog Rescue added: “Thank you so much for this £1,000 donation. We try to never turn away a dog in genuine need. This money will go a long way towards our work saving, rescuing and rehoming Frenchies.”

 

Chris Pitt, corporate responsibility manager at Ecclesiastical, said: “As a company whose purpose is to contribute to the greater good of society, we believe charitable giving is really important, and even small amounts can add up to make a big difference. It’s fantastic to see that so many people have taken the time to vote for a charity that is close to their hearts and we’re delighted to hear how these donations are making a positive difference, not only in Bedford but throughout the UK and far beyond.” 

 

“The 12 Days of Giving campaign has enabled us to give a boost to 120 charities, helping a vast range of causes, from refurbishing an open-air swimming pool, providing care for the terminally ill, and rescuing abandoned dogs in Romania, to helping young people with mental health issues through surfing.”  

 

Ecclesiastical staff gave more than £300,000 to good causes in 2018 through personal grants and matched donations for fundraising and payroll giving as part of the company’s ‘MyGiving’ scheme. Ecclesiastical gives all members of staff a personal grant of £125 to give to charity and this is doubled if they volunteer for the same charity.

 

Last year, Ecclesiastical launched its first Impact Report to demonstrate the many ways the company is contributing towards the greater good of society.