Oldham News | Main News | WeDo staff spread Christmas spirit with huge charity mission

Generous employees of the WeDo Business Services group have embarked on a mammoth mission this Christmas that will see more than a dozen worthy causes benefit from cash donations, holiday gifts and volunteer work.

A total of 16 charities are being supported as a result of the WeDo Countdown to Christmas initiative, which involves a task force made up of staff from the group’s headquarters in Oldham and offices across the country.

Among those in the Northwest receiving support are Emmeline’s Pantry, the Women’s Food Bank, the Cindy Appleyard Foundation, children’s charity Wipe Your Tears, the Wood Street Mission and We Love MCR Charity’s Rising Stars Fund.

Further afield, WeDo also helps Essex & Herts Air Ambulance, Sheffield-based homeless charity Roundabout and Havens Hospices in Essex.

In addition to monetary donations, WeDo provides groceries, gifts, and vouchers for day trips to bring holiday cheer to families in need.

Employees have also pledged their time to volunteer at charity shops and a retirement home during the holiday season.

All of the charities were nominated by WeDo employees after the company decided to support charitable causes instead of sending Christmas gifts to business contacts and customers.

The WeDo Group is headquartered in Oldham with additional offices in MediaCityUK in Salford, Sheffield, Swindon and Colchester.

Founded in 2019 by Mark Lindsay and Chris Robinson with just four employees, the group has grown organically and through acquisitions and today employs almost 100 people.

The range of services for SMEs includes invoice and trade finance, start-up finance, staff support, back office, digital and IT services.

The Countdown to Christmas campaign is the latest in a series of charity efforts by WeDo staff, raising thousands of pounds for a range of good causes.

In July, a team in support of Cancer Research UK took part in the Pretty Muddy 5k obstacle course at Heaton Park in Manchester.

They raised just over £1,300 from sponsors and WeDo doubled the number to £2,665 in total.

In November, WeDo Manager Jacqui Cryer attended the Strictly Best Foot Forward ballroom dancing fundraiser for Bury Hospice.

Jacqui and her best friend Jessica Cambray trained for 13 weeks and stormed away with the prize in the Rock and Roll category, raising over £1,400 in sponsorship money through their efforts.

WeDo tops that up to a total of £2,000.

Meanwhile, Sarah Cook, Director of WeDo HR Support, ran the London Marathon in aid of the Leonard Cheshire Disability Charity, raising £860 including a contribution from the company.

Mr Lindsay said: “We are very proud of all our staff who go the extra mile to help worthy causes they believe in.

“Times are tough for many people this winter as the cost of living crisis and soaring energy bills put pressure on families and charities, many of whom have been struggling to raise funds due to the pandemic.

“Through our Countdown to Christmas campaign, we want to support some of the amazing charities that make a meaningful difference in people’s lives rather than giving gifts to customers.

“Colleagues from across the group are taking part and it’s great to see them giving their time to help those in need.

“Similarly, we have observed many colleagues participating in charity activities throughout the year and we are delighted to support their efforts.

“We don’t pretend to be able to solve every problem, but we do pay close attention to the world around us and if we can help in a small way, it must be a good thing.”

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