Three Midlands-based charities dedicated to supporting seriously ill children, families, and individuals facing mental health challenges are set to benefit from the largest fundraising initiative ever undertaken by a UK security firm.
MAN Commercial Protection, a Solihull-based company, celebrated its 30th anniversary by raising over £20,000 to support Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Hope House Children’s Hospice, and Walk Talk Action. The funds were collected through a series of activities that involved the firm’s 1,800 employees, as well as its suppliers and clients. Fundraising efforts included climbing Snowdon, hosting pool tournaments, organizing cake sales, and various other events.
The company’s CEO, Iain McCallister, highlighted the significance of the initiative: “We have always been big supporters of charities, especially those that have a personal connection to MAN and our staff.
“Our 30th year in business seemed the perfect opportunity to try to do something special and complete our largest ever fundraise – something we have achieved by raising £20,000 across three fantastic organisations that do so much for children, families and individuals.
“Birmingham Children’s Hospital needs no introduction, and we have also seen firsthand the amazing work Walk Talk Action and Hope House Children’s Hospice do in the communities they support. The money we have raised through the efforts of our employees, our suppliers and our clients will make such a difference to hundreds of people.”
One of the benefitting charities, Walk Talk Action, was established in 2019 by Teri Elder to provide safe spaces for people facing mental health struggles such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, isolation, and the challenges of transitioning back to civilian life after military service. Over the past year, the organization has supported more than 1,800 individuals through initiatives like community groups, the “Tea and Toast” program, the flagship Ten Step Programme, and guided community walks.
Speaking about the impact of the donation, Elder said: “The £7,000 donation from MAN Commercial Protection is incredible and will help us buy a lot more resources for our flagship initiative, it will improve our retreat space and ensure we can continue to hold our important community events.
“Each person has a different goal, and we help them reach it, whether it is making new friends or wing walking! It’s all about helping individuals at a low point of their lives to move into a better place.”
Hope House Children’s Hospice, which operates two facilities in Oswestry and Conwy, also welcomed the support from MAN Commercial Protection. The hospice provides specialist nursing care and emotional support to children with life-threatening conditions and their families across Shropshire, Cheshire, North, and Mid Wales. Services include respite care, crisis care, bereavement
support, counseling, and sibling support.
Dawn Ball, Area Fundraiser for Hope House Children’s Hospice, expressed her gratitude: “The families we support often refer to us as their lifeline. Without donations like this one from MAN, we couldn’t be there for local children and their families in their time of need.”
In addition to supporting these three charities, MAN Commercial Protection also extended its generosity to other local causes. Among the beneficiaries are children’s football teams Coldland Colts and Lane Head Dynamos, who received donations from the company.