Childbase Partnership teams and families across 44-day nurseries have raised a staggering £165,615.96 in cash and 9267.95 kgs in food donations to support the Trussell Trust in the face of record demand in 1,300 UK food bank centres during 2023.

At a presentation ceremony, Sophie Sharp, the Trussell Trust’s corporate partnership manager, said:

“You are an extraordinary and passionate group who have far exceeded our expectations in this year-long partnership. Your legacy of fundraising, food donations and promoting awareness of the Trussell Trust will continue to make a difference going forward.”

Childbase Partnership head of charity and a regional director, Michelle Lockhart, congratulated Charity Representatives – one from each setting – and their nursery families for far exceeding the targets set.

“We are always ambitious in our fund-raising but given the cost-of-living crisis these totals represent extraordinary effort and generosity. We are mindful that the need remains and while our focus as a company will be directed to a new ‘Charity of the Year’ in 2024, I know we will all continue to do what we can to address food poverty.”

Trussell Trust, which supports the largest network of food banks in the UK, provided a  record 3 million emergency food parcels during the year with over 1 million of these for children.  

Childase Partnership fund-raising activity included Snowden climbing challenges, skydiving, sponsored walks and endless bake sales in all nurseries after over 2,000 plus employee owners adopted the charity for a year-long fund-raising and awareness drive in a company-wide vote.  

Childbase Partnership chairman and founder, Mike Thompson, described the fundraising effort as phenomenal and a proud moment for the company before thanking colleagues and nursery parents.

Childbase Partnership – which has a dedicated Charity Department supporting fund-raising activities company wide – has given more than £3.5 million to worthy causes in its 35-year history.  

Additionally, every employee is given a paid Volunteer Day and The Childbase Charity Support Fund – with cash provided by the company – gives grants to charities or appropriate local community initiatives identified by colleagues in all settings during the course of their work.

The Fund ensures that while company-wide fund-raising is focused on making a real difference to one charity during the year, other worthy causes and special needs are also supported.