A READING-based recruitment agency has raised an impressive £50,000 to mark its 50th year in business.
ITS Building People, based on Kings Road, organised a year of special events in honour of its golden jubilee.
Across its 19 offices, staff members took part in challenges that included skydiving, mountain climbing, football matches, raffles, Easter egg hunts, and car boot sales.
From the total, £38,900 was given to Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice in Tilehurst.
There is a personal connection to the charity: several ITS Building People directors have seen at first-hand how Sue Ryder offers palliative care. They include Jerry Knight, whose grandfather received end-of-life care in 2022.
He ran the London Marathon as part of his support.
“Of all the amazing fundraising activities our business has been involved in over the past year, running the London Marathon for Sue Ryder was a highlight – and one of the best experiences of my life,” he said of the 26.2-mile course.
“The cause is very close to my heart as Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice provided exceptional support to my grandad and our family during his end-of-life care last year
“The charity’s invaluable work during such challenging times is truly remarkable, and I am grateful for the opportunity to give back in any way possible. I was able to raise £9,227 of the £38,900 – and completed the marathon in 3 hours and 36 minutes.”
He continued: “Along with myself, several of the directors have received invaluable support from Sue Ryder in the most difficult circumstances over the last year, and so we are so pleased that we’ve been able to give something back in thanks so the charity can continue to support other families in their time of need.”
Jennifer Patient, community fundraising manager at Sue Ryder, was grateful for the large donation.
“We are extremely grateful to ITS Building People for their incredible fundraising efforts in support of Sue Ryder. Their dedication and generosity will go a long way in helping the charity to continue providing compassionate care to those with life-limiting conditions, along with support for their families.
“£38,900 is an absolutely incredible sum – and so we extend our most heartfelt thanks to ITS Building People and all the employees who got involved and contributed to this remarkable achievement.”