Member Article

North East firm’s giving is just amazing

Generous staff at a North East firm have amazed themselves by becoming one of UK’s top charity donors.

The 50 strong team at The High Street Group – a property and financial operation – was among the top 1% of the 532,124 contributors that used JustGiving in 2015.

They raised £21,653.77 for MacMillan Cancer Support and all of the money will be targeted at projects in the region to provide better practical, medical, emotional and financial support for those fighting the disease.

Most of the cash was raised through a trek by 14 of the team to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, although a series of other, generally office based events, topped up the coffers.

Gary Forrest, the Group Chairman at the office in Cuthbert House, Newcastle, said: “It’s been great fun and a real challenge – especially the African experience – but it’s been fantastic to have raised so much and to be recognised for the effort.”

The company received a message and badge of achievement from JustGiving and Isabel Sanchez, Head of Corporate Sponsorships, said: “The High Street Group are a great example of an organisation which has highly motivated people that raise money for causes they care about. We congratulate them on this wonderful achievement.”

Erin Fairley, Fundraising Manager with Macmillan Cancer Support in the North East, added: “The support from The High Street Group has been invaluable to Macmillan locally. This is such a huge challenge and they should all be so proud of what they have achieved and the incredible amount of money they have raised. This will enable us to reach the 45 people in the North East who are diagnosed with cancer every day, helping to ensure that no one faces cancer alone. We cannot thank them enough.”

Although the High Street Group has completed all its fund raising activities, anyone wishing to contribute can still do so at www.justgiving.com/high-street-climb-for-cancer

The High Street Group was established by successful entrepreneur Gary Forrest in 2004 and has grown to become a leading financial and property group. It employs over 50 people and activities include financial claims, property development and developer finance. Companies include High Street Boutique Finance, High Street Claims, The High Street Group Contact Centre, All Saints Living and All Saints Construction.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Paul Dobbie .