Oxford PharmaGenesis – MAD appeal

18 December 2020

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Making a difference to our communities across the globe

As our employees’ fundraising was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, our company Charity Team wanted to use the charity budget to maximize our support for hard-pressed charities, while giving our employees the opportunity to give back during lockdown. Therefore, we launched the ‘Make a Difference’ (MAD) appeal across our offices to involve employees in distributing the remaining charity budget to causes close to our hearts.

Charity Team member Paul Williams said, “COVID-19 has impacted the world in ways we couldn’t have imagined a year ago. The Charity Team set out to make a difference to some of the local and national charities that have stepped up to support those who have suffered during this pandemic. To be fortunate enough to raise such a large amount with our amazing colleagues and the support of Oxford PharmaGenesis has been something we can take great pride in.”

In London, the Charity Team set up an online foodbank that encouraged colleagues to donate food from their weekly shopping, and raised more than £1000 for The Trussell Trust. London colleagues also donated to Black Minds Matter, the NSPCC and Shelter.

In Cardiff and Cambridge, the Charity Team ran a ‘walk and talk’ 5k appeal in support of MIND. Colleagues in Cardiff and Cambridge also chose to donate to two charities for the homeless, Emmaus UK and Huggard.

In Oxford, the Charity Team arranged a competitive ‘press up and plank’ challenge for the Samaritans, a virtual sponsored office walk from Oxford to Florence, virtual falafel making and virtual jewellery making, all to raise money for charity.

In Philadelphia, colleagues decided to donate to The Lep Foundation for Youth Education where one of our US colleagues volunteers.

Company Chairman Graham Shelton said, “Lots of companies talk vaguely about ‘making a difference’. I just love the fact that at Oxford PharmaGenesis individuals step right up and make it happen in a million ways every day.”

During a difficult year, it was brilliant to be able to come together, despite working remotely, to do good for so many, while also having a laugh or two along the way!

You can see our photo highlights from the appeal below.