Brighton-based financial services company, OneFamily, has donated £7,500 to support three local charities.
Each of the organisations has received £2,500, along with the offer of hands-on volunteering support from OneFamily employees.
The charities are Pelican Parcels, Hastings Kelp Project and Brighton Unemployed Centre Families Project (BUCFP). The contributions will support various initiatives within each charity to improve the lives of people in the area, as well as boosting the local environment.
Jim Islam, CEO of OneFamily, said, “I’m pleased we’re able to support charities in and around Brighton and Hove, not just through donations, but also through staff volunteering. Doing right by our community is at the heart of what we do at OneFamily and we are proud to support causes which create positive change.”
Pelican Parcels offers help to families facing financial difficulties by providing donated items to babies and children up to the age of 12. OneFamily’s contribution will help expand the charity’s reach and grow its volunteer programme. OneFamily colleagues will also be helping at its warehouse, cleaning and organising pre-loved items to get the parcels ready to be distributed.
Shelley Bennett, Co-founder and Trustee at Pelican Parcels, said, “We are delighted at this incredible donation from OneFamily in Brighton, especially as we can double it through our crowdfunder match funding meaning we can achieve an even greater impact.
“OneFamily’s values around improving families’ finances and quality of living to inspire a better future aligns brilliantly with our work in the city, supporting families struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.”
The Hastings Kelp Project aims to support local rewilding along the Sussex coastline. OneFamily’s donation will cover the cost of specialist diving equipment, a boat and community projects.
Christopher Williams, Project Manager at Hastings Kelp Project, said, “The donation from OneFamily will be a crucial part of the project. This support will enable us to process essential ecological surveys for the best impact and to perfect the growth conditions to form young kelp plants.
“The boat will aid us in identifying the right locations at sea and scouting for the best possibilities for success. Additionally, as a community-driven group, this support will allow us to arrange educational activities and involve members of the public in local projects Our vision is to see nature flourish, and we feel incredibly fortunate that OneFamily shares our vision.”
Brighton Unemployed Centre Families Project offers support, education and advice to those facing poverty. The donation will allow the charity to continue funding its community centre, providing meals and offering free activities for families with young children.
Lisa Hook, Fundraising and finance co-ordinator at BUCFP, said, “OneFamily has been a great supporter of our small charity, helping us immensely with a team of volunteers in the past.
The recent donation of £2,500 from OneFamily will significantly aid our community centre operations. Thank you, OneFamily, for your continued support and partnership.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
About Pelican Parcels
The Pelican Parcels support children and families facing financial difficulties across Brighton and Hove by donating both preloved and new items. Having distributed over 20,000 personalised parcels, they ensure everyone has access to essentials items including bed’s, school uniforms, books and toys.
About Hastings Kelp Project
Hastings Kelp Project is a community-driven group dedicated to reintroducing kelp seaweed along the coastline from Rock a Nore in Hastings to Pett Level beach. Their efforts are focused on creating sustainable, flourishing kelp forests that provide essential habitats for local wildlife. OneFamily’s donation will be used to cover the cost of specialist ecological equipment, diving equipment and an RIB boat to support their coastal project.
About Brighton Unemployed Centre Families’ Project
Brighton Unemployed Centre Families’ Project (BUCFP) has provided advice and practical support to some of the most disadvantaged families in the area For over 40 years. Daily hot meals, affordable classes and emergency food support are just a few of the ways BUCFP provides assistance to the community.
About OneFamily
We’re owned by our members for our members, which means we don’t have shareholders to pay – so we can reinvest our profits for good. Putting our members first and improving the financial wellbeing of those who need it most is firmly built into our values.
We have nearly 1.6 million customers* and 49 years’ experience of providing accessible, affordable products to help people make the most of their money. And don’t just take our word for it – our customers rate us highly, with an overall satisfaction score of 93% in 2023.**
Inspiring Better Futures
Our Inspiring Better Futures vision is driven by doing the right thing for our customers, colleagues and communities. Whether it’s supporting our customers with educational grants, investing in our colleagues’ wellbeing and development, or giving back to our communities through volunteering and charity partnerships, our vision is at the heart of what we do.
We awarded 111 young people with education grants to help with the cost of further education and training in 2023, as well as supporting our communities through volunteering and our charity partnerships.
For more information on how we support our members and communities see:
*As at 12 May 2024.
**Source: Bright survey, 2023.