North East financial services and technology company, True Potential, is pulling out all the stops to surpass its fundraising goal for Mission Christmas, as it works toward a long-term target of raising £100,000 for the national children’s charity.
Based at Newburn Riverside, Newcastle, True Potential has so far raised over £50,000 for Mission Christmas over five years, with its 700-strong team enthusiastically supporting the cause. The company also match-funds every penny raised by staff.
In 2023 the team raised over £10,000 and this year they plan to beat that, retaining the title as the biggest regional fundraiser for Mission Christmas.
Esther Heale, Group Executive Assistant, who is leading the fundraising efforts, said: “As a local North East business, we are proud to have supported Mission Christmas for the past five years. It’s a cause our entire team gets behind and we are committed to our long-term goal of raising £100,000 for the charity.”
This year, True Potential sponsored the Newcastle and Gateshead edition of Monopoly, with all proceeds from staff purchases of the iconic board game going to the charity – and then being doubled by the company. Additionally, the organisation is hosting creative fundraising events for staff, including dress-down Fridays and a Christmas Jumper Day, to further support the cause.
Esther continues; “As well as gift donations, we’re raising money through the sale of brand new Newcastle and Gateshead edition Monopoly boards.
“We’re on a mission to improve financial literacy for everyone, and Monopoly is often the first experience young people have of earning and spending money, and it’s a great way to learn in a fun, family-friendly way. The fact that Mission Christmas benefits from the sale of the boards is an added bonus.”
True Potential is also continuing its fundraising tradition with the annual office-wide ban on the word ‘Christmas’. Each time a team member says it, a £1 donation is made to Cash for Kids for every mention with senior managers giving £10.
The company has also created a ‘Cosy Christmas Fireplace’, complete with over 30 stocking tags hanging from it. Each one has a gift suggestion on the reverse and staff can choose one at random, and then purchase that gift to put under the tree throughout December.
As well as raising money, the team aims to collect over 200 Christmas gifts for children who would otherwise go without. Until mid-day on 13 December, its Newburn HQ is a drop-off point for the donation of presents which will then be shipped to the Mission Christmas warehouse. Reception is open between 8.30am-5.30pm to receive gifts for anyone wishing to donate.