Well Wishers has been chosen as charity of the year by business community group thebestofWalsall.
thebestofWalsall is a family run business that was set up 13 years ago and is made up of 340 local businesses. The aim of the group is to keep the pound in Walsall and to encourage local people to use and support local quality businesses.
Each year it chooses one charity to support. The pandemic and lockdowns have had an impact in previous years but it is now back up and running and Walsall healthcare NHS Trust’s Well Wishers is its chosen charity for 2022.
Managing Director Alex Murray said: “We started our partnership with Well Wishers two years ago after having a meeting with Fundraising Manager Georgie Westley and Head of Communications Tina Faulkner. Over the years we have been aware of all the great work that Well Wishers does for the hospital and community services.
“As part of our partnership, Georgie has access to a large community network which she can ask for support from. For example, thebestofWalsall has donated toys during lockdown whereas some of the other businesses have donated biscuits and coffee machines for staff. Businesses have also sponsored Well Wishers charity events such as Ian’s Walk which was a 26 mile walk along the canal path from Walsall Manor Hospital to Chasewater and supported us with our boxing and Trust Got Talent events.
“The charity has also helped us in return by providing business numbers to staff and has helped us achieve another aim of reminding large employers to use local businesses too.”
One of Well Wishers supporters is J.A.B.S Event Hire.
Managing Director Jamie Firman said: “We have supported Well Wishers for a number of years now and see the value and difference that fundraising makes to the community of Walsall and those using the services of the Manor Hospital. It’s a pleasure to be part of it”.
When asked how it felt to be chosen as charity of the year Georgie said:
“It’s really great to be charity of the year and we are so grateful for our partnership with thebestofWalsall. We have had the pleasure to meet so many generous businesses who have supported us and we are happy in return to help promote these businesses too.
“Working in a Trust we are all about helping the local community and this is the same approach taken by thebestofWalsall.”
She added: “I also want to say a huge thank you to thebestofWalsall for all its help and support in promoting Well Wishers. The more people that know about the charity the more chance we get to help raise money for things over and above what the NHS is able to provide. Together we can make a difference to the experience of patients and their families using our services.”