Five local charities will benefit from this year’s #Franklins50 challenge where businesses and organisations across Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes can get creative as possible to turn £50 seed funding into as much money as possible for these good causes.
Northampton charities Cynthia Spencer Hospice and Northampton Hope Centre and Milton Keynes’ charities MK Act, Willen Hospice and MK Food Bank will benefit this year and are all working together to make the most effective use of their collective resources.
Participating teams will receive £50 seed funding from Franklins Solicitors LLP to turn it into as much money as possible between 13 February and 12 May 2023 for their chosen charity. The challenge is open to any business, organisation or community group and they can get as creative as they like with their fundraising as long as it’s safe and legal!
Registration opens today, Wednesday 7 December 2022, so businesses and organisations have nearly 10 weeks to get a team together and sign up before the challenge kicks off on 13 February 2023. Participating teams will receive lots of ideas and support along the way from their chosen charity and the Franklins’ team before a small awards ceremony on 12 May 2023.
Andrea Smith, Head of Business Services at Franklins Solicitors LLP:
“We’re delighted to declare this year’s #Franklins50 challenge open for local businesses and organisations to register a team to take part. This year all the money raised will go to five local charities tackling the cost-of-living crisis and improving wellbeing. Taking part is an opportunity for team building, getting creative and having fun – whilst raising money for very worthwhile causes.”
Northampton-based Digital Marketing Agency, onefoursix, took part last year and have already signed up for 2023. Dave Williams explained how they raised money for the challenge:“We got the onefoursix team together and floated a few ideas around the table including the BBQ idea. At the time, with the weather being so good, the BBQ idea stuck. Who doesn’t love a BBQ?! We had no idea that it would take off as much as it did. We must have done over 100 orders that day. The BBQ will be back for 2023!”
Louise Danielczuk, Fundraising and Marketing Manager, Northampton Hope Centre, said:
“This Challenge will make the lives of those who are hungry a little easier. We encourage all Northampton businesses to get behind this amazing challenge and get their fundraising caps on to generate as much as possible to support their local community.”
David Williams, whose wife Irene was helped by Cynthia Spencer Hospice, said:
“I really hope lots of local businesses and organisations take part in this fundraising challenge and raise vital money for Cynthia Spencer Hospice. The care my wife, Irene, received was fantastic and we felt truly supported at what was a very emotional and difficult time.”
A resident of MK Act’s refuge said:
“I’m so pleased MK Act are included in the #Franklin50 fundraising challenge. The money raised in the challenge will help victims of domestic abuse through their ‘Last Resort Fund’. This fund saved my life and paid for us to leave our home safely and quickly where we were in danger. It paid for our taxi, a hotel for 2 nights and emergency food for us.”
Marta Sparshott’s husband Steve was helped by Willen Hospice and said:
“My husband Steve wanted to die at home and the Hospice organised absolutely everything. It was just a few days of him being at home, but his last wish was granted. Willen Hospice is an amazing charity, and it’s incredible to think they rely on the support of the local community to raise £5.9 million every year.”
