We’re always looking for ways to give back, and supporting a charity – through donations, fundraising and volunteering – is one of the most impactful things we can do as a business.
This year, Comparison Technologies’ charity efforts will be focussed on Demelza, a children’s hospice charity based in the UK, and we’ve already got some amazing activities lined up!
What is Demelza?
Demelza offers care to children and families facing serious and terminal conditions, including specialised hospice care, family support and bereavement services. They also have an outreach program, providing at-home care and extending the charity’s reach into the communities beyond their hospices.
The charity was founded by Derek and Jennifer Phillips, inspired by their daughter Demelza – a hospice worker who sadly died of a brain tumour at the age of 24. Their goal was to establish a children’s hospice in the South-East of England, and after years of tireless campaigning they finally succeeded in opening Demelza Kent in 1998.
Since then the charity has expanded across the South of England, opening hospices in London and Sussex, and now has almost 30 years of experience supporting and comforting families during challenging times.
Their mission statement says it all: “Adding life to days, when days cannot be added to life.”
What are we doing to support them?
Comparison Tech will match any money raised by employees, with a guaranteed total donation of at least £8,000. But if we manage to raise more, the company has also generously agreed to continue to match contributions, up to a maximum of £12,000.
That means there’s a potential to raise a whopping £24k for Demelza in the coming year, which will surely make a big difference.
To help reach that total we’ve got tons of great fundraising activities planned, including:
- Paris Marathon 2025 – Demelza has provided us with a few spots in next year’s race, and we’ve had three brave volunteers so far!
- Cycle from Demelza Cornwall to Demelza Kent – a five-day cycling challenge that will be brutal on the legs but great for awareness and fundraising.
- Skydive – if anyone’s
madbrave enough to jump out of a plane for Demelza, we’ll be organising a skydiving challenge in 2025. - Bubble Rush – a family-friendly 5K fun run that’ll have you dashing through heaps of colourful bubbles.
We’ll also be organising a number of volunteer days, where we’ll have the opportunity to get our hands dirty and help out the charity directly. In the spring we’ll be heading to Demelza Kent in Sittingbourne to help out in their beautiful garden, and in the winter to Larkfield to assist in sorting through their donation warehouse.
This Christmas we’ll also have the chance to help out by purchasing items through an Amazon Wishlist set up by the charity and its patients. If you’d like to sign up for any of these events, please reach out to the Culture Club on Slack.
Why did we choose Demelza?
Demelza is a great charity, and one close to our hearts. Our contributions will help to directly support families in need and children with serious and terminal conditions. Check out Demelza’s website for more information on the work they do, and stay tuned for more details on upcoming events and ways to get involved.
