On 27th November 2003, EvolutionHR came into existence. At that time, I had no thoughts or ambitions as to how long we would be going as a business, I was more interested in setting it up, how it was going to work, with whom, how it was going to be profitable and then going out and drumming up business!
Niki joined me five years later and is still here putting up with me and continuing to do an amazing job!
I thought it was appropriate given the 20 years, and also the time of year, to do something fitting to mark the occasion. So, to celebrate both our 20th anniversary and the festive season, we will be making contributions to charities that mean a lot to me.
Those charities are Target Ovarian Cancer, The Stroke Association, The Samaritans of Waltham Forest, Crisis, and The Trussell Trust.
The Stroke Association
In memory of my father, who died in 1980, and who suffered a series of strokes prior to his death.
The Stroke Association is the only UK wide charity solely concerned with combating stroke in people of all ages. It funds research into prevention, treatment and better methods of rehabilitation, campaigns to increase knowledge of stroke and improve stroke services, and acts as a voice for everyone affected by stroke. Stroke survivors and family members are supported directly through its Life After Stroke Service. The Stroke Association also provides a range of informational publications, a stroke helpline and an information service for anyone affected by stroke.
Target Ovarian Cancer
In memory of my mother, who died in 1986, of ovarian cancer.
Ovarian Cancer still tends to be diagnosed late on, hence being further advanced and potentially more difficult to treat effectively. Target Ovarian Cancer is the only ovarian cancer charity working across all four nations of the UK. They work with everyone affected by ovarian cancer, as well as health professionals, to ensure that the important areas are targeted. These include working with GPs to help with early diagnosis, research into better and targeted treatment, and support for those individuals affected along with their families and support networks.
The Samaritans of Waltham Forest
The Samaritans is a well-established charity providing support to those who may need emotional support, or who may be experiencing feelings of despair, including suicidal thoughts. The support, including the help line, remains free of charge. I believe that this support is invaluable and is increasingly needed as the world faces all sorts of different challenges. Each branch is self-funding. I have volunteered with the Waltham Forest branch since 2012. We not only support those who contact us via phone or email, but also those who choose to visit us in person.
Crisis
Crisis is a charity that works directly with people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Whilst the need for this work is year-round, the winter months bring an increased need for support. Crisis achieves this by providing practical one-to-one support to help people access benefits, healthcare services, employment opportunities, and more. They state their main aim as being to relieve the huge pressure of homelessness, by helping people find safe and affordable homes as quickly as possible.
The Trussell Trust
This organisation supports a nationwide network of food banks, providing emergency food and support to people facing hardship, and campaigning for change to end the need for food banks in the UK. We will all be aware that food banks are increasingly used as the financial challenges increase, and even more so at this time of year.
EvolutionHR will be donating £200 to each of these charities.
Merry Christmas!
From Kate and Niki.