No mountain was high enough for the staff at Gala Coral in 2009, as they have smashed their 2009 target of raising £1m for the companys nominated charity partner, Sue Ryder Care.
Not satisfied with conquering Everest and holding the worlds highest ever game of bingo, Gala Coral staff have now set themselves the challenge of raising an additional £500,000 in 2010; with the aim of bringing total fundraising efforts for Sue Ryder Care to £1.5m.
Paul Woodward, Chief Executive of healthcare charity, Sue Ryder Care, said:
On behalf of Sue Ryder Care, Id like to extend my sincere thanks to everyone at Gala Coral for their continued support…All money raised through fundraising efforts and corporate partnerships is vital funds that help us provide end of life and long term care for more people living with conditions including; Cancer, Stroke, Dementia, Multiple Sclerosis and Huntingtons Disease.
Following an employee vote in May 2008, in which Sue Ryder Care was nominated as the group charity until the end of 2010, the generosity of Gala Coral staff and customers has known no bounds. In addition to holding collections and fundraising parties, Gala Coral employees have dressed up as dogs to race around Brighton and Hove Greyhound Stadium and climbed to Everest Base Camp to set the record for the worlds highest ever game of bingo.
The trek to Everest Base Camp saw 25 dedicated bingo buffs climb an astonishing 17,500ft, dabber in hand, to set the record for the Worlds Highest Game of Bingo. Despite the constant risk of dehydration, altitude sickness, deep vein thrombosis and frostbite, they overcame all that nature could throw at them to land the biggest bingo jackpot of all time; calling “BINGO” on top of the world! Following the completion of the trek and the setting of a new record, the team successfully smashed their goal of raising £100,000 for Sue Ryder Care.
Dominic Harrison, Chief Executive of Gala Coral said:
The fundraising work carried out by Gala Coral staff and customers to date has been truly inspirational, from the many local events right through to the trek to Everest Base Camp Trek. Their continued enthusiasm in raising funds for such an important cause is much appreciated and highly valued. As a result of Gala Coral fundraising efforts, Sue Ryder Care remains in a strong position to continue their vital work – at a challenging time for them and the wider charity sector
