Accountants raise funds for Exeter Community Initiatives

Colleagues at our Exeter office have handed over £3,746 to their 2023 charity of the year, Exeter Community Initiatives.

Exeter Community Initiatives’ Laura Robinson and Daisy Binnie, second and third left, with PKF Francis Clark colleagues, from left, Sarah Dalley, Sonia Fisher, Gemma Luck and Hannah Boniface

The money was raised through a variety of activities, including an ‘I’m a partner, get me out of here!’ challenge as well as quizzes, breakfasts, raffles and cake sales. Another popular fundraising event saw partners, directors and managers volunteer to have wet sponges and buckets of water thrown at them in return for donations.

The amount raised could pay for 60 sessions working with parents to develop their parenting skills where there are challenging behaviours and complex relationships.

Sonia Fisher, partner and head of our Exeter office, said: “Everyone was invited to vote for our 2023 charity of the year and colleagues chose Exeter Community Initiatives (ECI) as the winner. Fundraising manager Teresa Pollard gave a presentation to our whole office to raise awareness of ECI’s variety of projects supporting local people and families, which helped to inspire us all.

Hardy partners, directors and managers volunteered for a soaking to help raise funds

“We’ve really enjoyed raising funds and learning more about ECI, especially during their 30th anniversary year. We were sorry to hear that ECI has recently had to close two of its projects following a drop in funding, so we hope our efforts will make a difference in enabling the charity to continue its great work in our community.”

Carole Pilley, acting chief executive at Exeter Community Initiatives, said: “A massive thank you to the staff at PKF Francis Clark for choosing us as your charity of the year and raising such an amazing sum of money! Despite the increased demand for our services, small charities like ours face a constant battle due to funding cuts. Fundraising and support from local businesses means we can continue to help people when it matters most, so we’d love to hear from any other businesses out there wanting to work with a local charity!”

During 2024, colleagues at our Exeter office will be supporting Vranch House, the independent day school and centre for children with significant physical difficulties.

More information about Exeter Community Initiatives can be found at eci.org.uk.