Charities
We have a social committee made up of staff members who organise a number of events each year designed to raise money for good causes. Some of the charities that have benefitted from Chartwell's support are as follows
Hope for Tomorrow - The Annual Chartwell Polo Day raises money for Hope for Tomorrow, a national cancer charity, which helps those with cancer, their families and dependants to cope with the reality of the situation. Founded by Christine Mills in December 2003 after she lost her husband to cancer, the Charity sets out to alleviate some of the difficulties they incurred during his illness, in particular the harrowing experience of travelling long distances for chemotherapy treatment. These personal experiences led to what has become the Charities prime focus - mobile chemotherapy units - the first of which is now operational. The concept provides cancer patients local treatment alleviating the need for constant travelling long distances to a main Cancer Centre for Chemotherapy. This year Chartwell are looking to raise in excess of £30,000 for the charity.
The Grace O'Gorman Trust - Chartwell are dedicated to raising money for this very local charity, with over £4000 pledged already following 12 members of staff taking part in the Bath Half marathon. Grace's Trust has been founded to raise money for the treatment of Grace O'Gorman, who was recently diagnosed in 2007 with a very rare and severe form of childhood cancer called Neuroblastoma.
Dorothy House Hospice - In 2007 Chartwell held their annual Chartwell Ball at Roman baths in Bath raising £3000 for Dorothy House Hospice, who's aim is to offer physical, psychological, social and spiritual care to patients and their families facing life threatening illness, death or bereavement, who have specific problems which need specialist skills. They focus on quality of life, respecting the uniqueness of each person and their family. We seek to promote the development of palliative care through education of others and research.
RNLI - 8 member of Chartwell staff took place in a corporate Tug of War tournament organised by the RNLI, a charity whose aim is to save lives at sea around the coasts of Great Britain and Ireland, as well as inshore. The RNLI operates over 230 lifeboat stations, strategically placed around the coasts of the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland. Since 1980, lifeboat rescues have doubled; the RNLI rescues an average of 22 people each day. The charity also employs lifeguards on beaches in the southwest, south Wales and Norfolk. In 2008, this service will be expanded to cover over 100 beaches. The RNLI is funded entirely by voluntary donations and legacies (together with tax reclaims), and has an annual budget of £130 million.
Race for Life - 15 members of Chartwell staff took part in Cancer Research's 2008 Race for Life. It is now the biggest women-only fundraising event in the UK, with every pound raised in sponsorship going towards furthering ground-breaking work which includes the scientists, doctors and nurses who work to find new treatments.
Macmillan Cancer Support - Chartwell donated £1000 in 2007 to Macmillan Cancer Support, one of the largest British charities, providing specialist health care, information and financial support to people affected by cancer. As well as helping with the medical needs of people affected by cancer, Macmillan also looks at the social, emotional and practical impact cancer can have.