As part of our fundraising activities in support of our designated charity of the year, Watford Workshop, we managed to raise a substantial £16,170. We have held various fundraising events throughout the year which includes the St George’s Day Luncheon which was held on Thursday 23rd April at the Hilton Watford Hotel.
The charity luncheon featured high profile entertainment with comedian Mike Farrell and guest speaker Roger Dakin, former England Hockey goalkeeper. However the star of the event was disabled worker Megan whose account of her devastating accident at the age of 7 and her determination to succeed, resulted in a standing ovation, quite a few tears and probably greater generosity in the subsequent charity auction. Megan’s work experience and training have increased her self-confidence so that not only could she stand up and speak to 200 business leaders on St George’s Day but she has also just finished four weeks of work experience at a recruitment agency in Harrow – and we’ve just heard that they have offered her a job one day every week.
Gordon Sellers, Chairman of Watford Workshop, said “We would like to thank Hillier Hopkins and their generous guests. This amazing donation will enable Watford Workshop to provide in-work training with supervision, teaching new skills which will enable the disabled people supported by the Workshop to improve their confidence and help them progress into independent living. It will assist them with job search and help with different work experiences. It will give them the abilities to undertake everyday activities such as shopping, food preparation, understanding written words and writing simple lists, thereby making them less dependent on carers and support.”
Grant Franklin, Managing Principal of Hillier Hopkins, added “We are delighted to be able to help this great local charity continue its work which makes such a positive difference to disabled people’s lives. This wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible generosity of the clients and friends of Hillier Hopkins”.