In a heartwarming display of solidarity and commitment, our catering division has successfully raised an impressive sum for the Teenage Cancer Trust. The fundraising activities, which began in May last year, have not only brought the team closer but also made a significant impact on the lives of young cancer patients.
The decision to support the Teenage Cancer Trust was a collective one, made by the catering board and the Board of Directors. The team felt a strong connection to the cause and believed it was the best fit for their fundraising efforts.
With the decision made, the team organised several events to raise funds, each unique and engaging. One of the standout events was the “Walk With Us” challenge. Inspired by the average cancer nurse’s daily steps, the team participated in this challenge, aiming to complete 15,000 steps in a day. Participants could choose to walk individually or in groups, and the event raised £2,7K.
Another notable campaign was the “Why Lasagne” initiative. This campaign was inspired by Olivia Wallace, a council support worker from Sunderland who suffered from stage 4 cancer of the tongue and lymph nodes. For much of her treatment, she hadn’t been able to eat many foods, but after a nurse suggested she try lasagne, she found herself finishing the whole meal, marking an important stage in her recovery journey. The catering team sold lasagne at their sites, donating 15 pence from each sale to the Teenage Cancer Trust. This effort raised £3.2K
Today, and every day, seven young people in the UK aged 13-24 will hear the words “you have cancer”. To get through it, they’ll need specialist care and support from our nurses and youth workers, including help to rebuild their lives once treatment ends. We can’t do that without the support of companies like OCS. Their enthusiasm and dedication helped raise an incredible amount of money; £30 provides one hour of 1:1 nursing for a young person with one of our specialised nurses. It’s been an honour supporting them, and I am looking forward to seeing what amazing ideas they come up with for 2025!
Judith Anderson
Senior Relationship Manager, Teenage Cancer Trust
In addition to these events, the team partnered with their supplier to sell baked goods, including Caramel Shortcake and Gingerbread people. This initiative raised £6.6K. The team also organised Christmas raffles during their roadshows, which brought in £1.2K.
Many more fundraising initiatives include the following:
Angela Urwin, Operations Director and her son participated in the Boxing Day Dip, a local event where participants plunge into the sea on Boxing Day. Collection tubs at various cafes and restaurants across the business and donations from clients and suppliers raised a further £1.5K
The combined efforts of the catering division resulted in a total of £15,891.55, surpassing their initial target of £12,000.
The catering division’s fundraising efforts for the Teenage Cancer Trust have been nothing short of extraordinary. Their dedication and creativity in organising various events have not only raised significant funds but also brought the team together for a noble cause. The Teenage Cancer Trust has expressed their gratitude and will continue to support young cancer patients with the funds raised and has sent the message below to OCS team.
