The pandemic didn’t stall fundraising in 2020, as Aegon UK employees raised a total of £142,368.06 for nine employee selected charity partners, including £3,675 for London’s Air Ambulance and £38,665.51 for the national charity partner Macmillan.
The company charity committees and employees coordinated everything from raffles, quizzes and dress up days, to running challenges, virtual coffee mornings and pet competitions to raise funds throughout the year. Aegon UK then matched these funds pound for pound, bringing the grand charitable total to £142,368.06 for the nine charity partners and £3,675 for local charity London’s Air Ambulance.
25% of all funds raised went to the National Charity Macmillan and 75% of money raised in each location went to the local charity or charities. The local charity selected by the employees in London was London’s Air Ambulance charity.
Due to the lockdown, cheque presentations took place virtually this year for most of the charities, with just a couple of the cheques being delivered in person by Aegon employees.
A breakdown of the funds raised for each of the nine charities can be found below.
Mike Holliday-Williams, CEO, Aegon UK commented:
“The pandemic presented our charity committees and employees with a fresh fundraising challenge this year. The usual bake sales and dress down days were no longer possible when the offices closed. But Aegon employees rose to this challenge and came up with a steady stream of wonderful ideas to ensure our charities were well taken care of, lifting everyone’s spirits in the process.
“Pet competitions, ready steady cook at home challenges, the 555 running challenge quizzes, dress up days, virtual coffee mornings, raffles and so much more – I was in awe at the persistence and creativity from everyone involved.
“Employees have gone above and beyond in 2020 to support the company’s commitment to giving back to our local communities – from nominating the charities close to their hearts, through to the passion and dedication shown in raising these funds for fantastic causes. I’m extremely impressed with the dedication and efforts of those involved, especially during a global pandemic.
“I would also like to thank the charity committees across all the locations for their hard work in keeping up the momentum and delivering for our charity partners. Helping people is at the core of what Aegon does as a business, and the fundraising work we do as a company is a key part of that.”
Jonathan Jenkins, Chief Executive of London’s Air Ambulance Charity said:
“We are delighted that Aegon chose to support us last year and are continuing their support into 2021. On behalf of all of us at London’s Air Ambulance Charity I’d like to thank all Aegon employees for going the extra mile in supporting us and coming up with innovative ways to fundraise throughout such a tumultuous year.
“The money raised is a testament to the efforts of the whole team and will help keep our service flying. Trauma does not stop during a pandemic and these funds will help us continue to be there for London during these challenging times.”
