Your stories: ‘bake and donate’ – raising money for charity at home

Liz Mitchell, Head of HR Analytics in Human Resources shares the details for hosting a virtual ‘bake and donate’ day.

'Each year staff in the Human Resources Department suggest a charity to fundraise for, we all vote and we then spend the calendar year raising funds for the winning charity. We had intended to hold a cake sale and a raffle at Wellington Square just prior to Easter as our first fund-raising event of the year. However, lockdown took that away from us and so in May we had a 'bake and donate' day and people baked some amazing cakes and posted pictures via Teams and made donations via our GoFundMe page and Charities Aid Foundation.

Homemade cake covered in fruits and berries

'This year, we are supporting Daybreak Oxford – a local charity that provides day care for those with dementia, and also respite for their family carers. They do amazing work: providing a family environment with activities including games, quizzes, arts and crafts, entertainment, physical activity and a hot lunch (and a lot of biscuits!) for those who attend – this also gives carers some free time to themselves in the knowledge that their loved-one is safe. For some attendees who live alone this also acts as a lifeline for them – something to look forward to, social interaction, stimulation and a trip out.

'The centres usually operate five days a week, but since lockdown the charity has been struggling financially as the centres have had to close. The staff continue making daily calls to those they normally care for and their families, sending out online quizzes, games, to help carers keep their loved ones entertained during these difficult days.

Victoria sponge cake covered in strawberries

'Sadly some of the attendees have now had to go in to care homes as they are unable to cope at home alone, or where families are struggling to provide 24/7 care as a result of the lockdown.'

 

I've been blown away by the generosity of people within the department, they truly are an amazing bunch.