The Business Exchange Bath & Somerset Issue 10: Winter 2018/19 | Page 38

POSITIVE BUSINESS Novia Foundation launch makes a splash at Roman Baths Novia Foundation – a newly established charity that aims to support projects and initiatives for the benefit of people in and around the city of Bath – recently celebrated its launch at the Roman Baths. The inaugural fundraising event saw the right worshipful mayor of Bath and over one hundred local dignitaries meet at the historic Roman Baths to celebrate the launch of the Novia Foundation. Speeches included Bill Vasilieff, CEO of Novia Financial, James Savage, Novia Foundation trustee and Jamie Luck, from local charity Mentoring Plus. The event included a charity raffle with prizes donated by individuals and local businesses, these included: Lunch and Tea with the mayor of Bath, a family ticket to a league match, donated by Bath City Football club, Corporate Hospitality at Bath Rugby donated by Novia Financial, Taste of Bath Hamper, hot tub and afternoon tea from No. 15 Great Pulteney and a hot air balloon ride from Bath Balloons. The raffle and donations on the night raised approx £3000 all of which will go to local causes, helping to support and improve the lives of those in and around the Bath area. £1000 cheques were also awarded on the night to Mentoring Plus, High Littleton Pre School, Cirencester Housing for young people, St Peters Hospice and £1750 to Great Western Air Ambulance to fund one of its missions. James Savage, Novia Foundation trustee said:“We are immensely grateful for all those who attended and would like to extend a special thanks to Searcy’s and The Roman Baths for hosting us as well as to all the local business and all those who made personal donations to our raffle. As well as being a hugely enjoyable evening we were delighted to be able to raise money and hear from some of our charities as to how it has already been put to good work.“ Bill Vasilieff, chief executive at Novia Financial added:“Novia as a company has been fundraising since it was established in 2008. Novia Foundation was the next logical step forward after our first 10 years. We are thrilled to be supporting this initiative.” SUPPORT SAVE THE CHILDREN’S ‘SOMERSET 100’ International charity, Save the Children is urging businesses throughout Somerset to show their support of an event organised in recognition of its 100th anniversary next year. Local businesses are invited to be part of the ‘Somerset 100’ and help raise “thousands of pounds” for Save the Children. Entrants are required to sign up and commit their company to raising £100. The charity noted that if 100 companies participated, the event has the potential to raise £10,000 across the region. Save the Children was founded in 2019 - in the wake of the First World War - to help children suffering famine across Europe. The charity claims that today its work is “just as critical as ever” because one in six children throughout the world are living in a conflict zone. Dania Shaw, local community fundraising manager at Save the Children, said:“Your support could help bring essential healthcare, education, protection and food to millions of children around the world who are missing out on these basics. “Partnering with us can bring real benefits to your business too. You can boost customer and staff engagement, raise staff morale, and enhance your profile across the county.” Additionally, the charity is encouraging businesses to “kick-start” their support of its cause by wearing a festive sweater on Friday 14 December - Christmas Jumper Day. Companies that sign up will be sent “loads of exciting ideas” to get their staff and customers into their seasonal woollies. Dania added:“I hope you will all jump at this unique opportunity to join the ‘Somerset 100’ and help us celebrate 100 years of saving children’s lives.” For further information, contact Dania Shaw on [email protected] or call 07770 940 419. To sign up for Christmas Jumper Day go to: www.christmasjumperday.org Rotork gets behind Bath Half’s Corporate Challenge Fifty employees from Bath- based engineering firm, Rotork, have entered the Bath Half Marathon, 2019 Corporate Challenge to boost funds for Children’s Hospice South West - the Bath Half Marathon’s local race charity of the year. The money raised by Rotork’s fundraising effort will support families living in the South West, who have life-limiting conditions, so that they can provide specialist palliative care, respite for the whole family, a sibling service for brothers and sisters, emergency support, end of life care and 38 a bereavement service for as long as is needed. Karen Mathie, corporate fundraiser for Children’s Hospice South West in Bath said: “We are delighted Rotork are supporting us through the Bath Half 2019, particularly this exciting year. Charlton Farm is Bath’s local children’s hospice and the fantastic support from the Rotork team will make such a difference to the families with children who are life-limited who use the hospice.” If you would like to support the Rotork Runners THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2018 in their efforts to raise money and awareness for Children’s Hospice South West please donate via the Just Giving site: www. justgiving.com/fundraising/ rotork-bath-half-2019 Any contribution however big or small would be very much appreciated. There are still a few spaces for teams wishing to compete in the Bath Half Corporate Challenge. To find out more visit: www. bathhalf.co.uk/the-event/ corporate-challenge @CHSW For more info about Children’s Hospice South West visit: www.chsw.org.uk And for more about Rotork go to: www.rotork.com