Whiteoaks supports children's charities

Following the resounding success of its involvement with, WellChild, Whiteoaks has decided to increase its involvement with children’s charities by continuing to support this worthwhile cause into 2011, as well as adding local charity Disability Challengers.

Based in Guildford, Disability Challengers operates a range of regional outreach schemes across Surrey and, in 2008, undertook a £3 million redevelopment project which resulted in its Farnham Playcentre opening at the former site of The Old Park School.

The charity supports around 1,200 local disabled children per year and gives them access to essential play opportunities and childhood experiences.

“Whiteoaks is delighted to be involved with Disability Challengers,” says Whiteoaks chairman, Gill Craig.  “The charity is making an invaluable difference to the lives of disabled children and their families and we look forward to supporting their innovative new Business Club scheme this year.”

 “The Business Club is an exciting new project that has received backing from a number of key regional firms,” says Disability Challengers communications and fundraising manager, Madeline Hatton.

“By paying £85 per month a company can give a child a full day of play, and give their families a short break from what can be a constant cycle of care. In our experience, companies that get involved with local charities such as ours are able to really see the difference the work makes to local families and communities.”

Last year Whiteoaks chose WellChild because we felt that the organisation makes an invaluable contribution to the lives of children and their families who are dealing with the consequences of serious illness and complex conditions. The charity invests in ground-breaking child health research projects and funds a growing team of nurses who provide a vital service for families.

In addition to generating financial support for the organisation through fundraising activities, we were also involved in WellChild’s Helping Hands volunteer and partnership scheme.  All our staff were be given the opportunity to swap a day in the office for a day helping out with practical projects in the local community, such as transforming and adapting bedrooms and gardens into useable and enjoyable spaces.

WellChild chief executive Colin Dyer says:  "We are delighted to have the support of Whiteoaks. WellChild very much appreciates the support of corporate partners to help us with our work with seriously ill children and their families in the UK.  Firms who support us know that, in doing so, they are able to give something back by helping some of the most vulnerable members of our society.”