Charity partnership with Miller Homes raises in excess of £26,000 over 3 year period

Staff at Miller Homes across the North East region have engaged in various fundraising activities in support of St Oswald’s Hospice, the company’s chosen Charity of the Year.

When choosing which charity to support, staff members are invited to submit their choices and the charity with the most nominations is selected.

Speaking about the partnership, Regional Director for Miller Homes, Patrick Arkle, said, “The service that St Oswald’s Hospice provides to people and families is invaluable to so many in our region, so we’re delighted to have been able to support them.”

Trudy Alexander, Administrator and Receptionist at Miller Homes, said, “I’m thrilled that St Oswald’s was chosen. My Nana was looked after at the Hospice over 30 years ago following a bowel cancer diagnosis, and sadly passed away whilst there. It’s a special place and it means a lot to all of us here to support somewhere local and to know the difference it makes.”

Kick-starting their fundraising, the team were encouraged to get out and about for ‘Walk-tober’, where every mile covered during the month of October would generate a £1 donation from the company. This was followed by Miller Miles in 2022 and Active April in 2023, where a staggering 9,999 miles were clocked up resulting in a fantastic £9,999 generated for the Hospice.

Trudy reflected, “It’s been amazing to see the teams getting out and about, raising so much money for St Oswald’s by either walking, running or cycling.”

And their fundraising hasn’t stopped there, coffee mornings and bake sales have been a welcome addition to office days.

Not afraid of taking on an even bigger challenge, colleagues have completed the Kielder Marathon, the Great North Run and the 3 Peaks Challenge, where participants race to scale the 3 highest mountains in the British Isles within 24 hours.

Trudy explained, “There was a team of 7 who did the 3 Peaks Challenge plus a driver, getting them the 950 miles between Ben Nevis (Scotland), Scarfell Pike (England) and Snowdon (Wales). The first night was fine but the second night was horrendous for them; the weather was not in their favour! But, they did the 23 miles in 23 hours and 8 minutes which is absolutely amazing.

In March 2023, Trudy became one of the Hospice’s Giving Day Champions where alongside other companies and supporters, £330,000 was raised in 33 hours. In September, two teams of 4 took part in our Corporate Golf Day at Close House, helping to raise £12,000 for the Hospice.

In addition to the Charity of the Year partnership, Miller Homes joined St Oswald’s Hospice Better Together Business Club, a low cost philanthropic club supporting Hospice Nurses, aiming to fully fund 2 nursing roles through membership.

Through their membership, businesses are able to access a range of additional opportunities designed to support and meet CSR (Corporate and Social Responsibility) objectives, helping to make a lasting impact.

Patrick added, “The St Oswald’s team have been great to work with and have engaged everyone at Miller Homes within the region across the site and sales teams who have really embraced the Hospice as our chosen charity. We want to create and enhance communities; we approach fundraising as a way to help us reach out to the people and organisations who are positively influencing things in the areas we are creating homes. Working with our local hospice has enabled us to hit these objectives and make a real difference.”

Kirsty MacDonald, Senior Fundraiser Business Partnerships, said, “It’s been wonderful to get to know and work with Trudy and the team at Miller Homes. We’re so grateful for their partnership, enthusiasm and support, which makes such a big difference to us at the Hospice and we’re looking forward to what’s to come.”

If you’re interested in exploring partnership opportunities, get in touch by emailing bettertogether@stoswaldsuk.org