At the end of a successful year raising funds for children’s bereavement charity Harry’s Rainbow, Milton Keynes company Parker Hannifin has handed over £9,308 as the result of its efforts.
The control technologies and precision engineering specialists asked employees to select a local charity of the year, and they chose Harry’s Rainbow. The charity works with children who have lost a parent or sibling and organises groups and activities to help relieve isolation and loneliness and offer guidance and support.
Groups covering a range of age groups provide friendship and support alongside trips and activities, short breaks and mentoring, and the charity also provides resources for families, schools and organisations, as well as memory boxes.
Parker Hannifin raised the vital donation through a mix of supporting Harry’s Rainbow-organised fundraising events, including the Colour Run and a fire walk. They also took part in a sponsored run and held their own events, including tombolas and raffles and a ‘wear a sports shirt to work’ day.
Alison Johnson, Fundraising and Events Manager at Harry’s Rainbow, said: “We are delighted at the results of Parker choosing us as their chosen charity for the year. We’ve built up a lovely relationship with them, and just recently I was invited in to talk to the staff about where their money will go, and to thank them for their efforts.
“I think it’s great for staff engagement that they feel they are not just raising money for a charity, but that they are actively supporting children and families in the community in which they live and work. Over the years we have supported more than 1,000 children, and to think the money you raise will provide support directly to a child in your community makes it all the more worthwhile.”
Teija Alexander from Parker said: “Harry’s Rainbow was nominated and chosen as our Charity of the Year. We at Parker have truly enjoyed partnering with them and taking part in the many fundraising activities, especially the fire walk, Colour Run and many of our internal events that we run to boost the fundraising.
“It has been great to learn more about Harry’s Rainbow and how they support bereaved children in our local community and further afield. Harry’s Rainbow is an amazing charity, and it has been great to get to know the team, and we wish them every success in continuing to support the children and their families.”
Alison added: “After the success of our partnership with Parker, we’d like to encourage other companies to choose Harry’s Rainbow as a charity of the year and work with us to make such a difference.
“It’s our 15th anniversary next year and we have so many things planned to mark that milestone and raise money. We’re especially excited about our Charity Ball, which will be held in October 2026 and is always a fantastic night.
“If any other companies want to offer their support, we’d be delighted to tell them more about the vital work we do and how we can work with them to support children across the city.”
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