HMG Paints first firm to sign up for Francis House hospice 30k-ers challenge

Francis House Children’s Hospice is hoping 30 businesses will each raise £1,000 during 2022 with the aim of raising a combined £30,000 for the charity.

HMG Paints Ltd has become the first company to take on the 30k-ers Challenge to show their support for the work the hospice does with local children and families in what is its milestone 30th anniversary year.

The 30k-ers initiative is for businesses based across Greater Manchester and staff at Francis House were delighted when HMG pledged their support.

Employing more than 180 staff at its factory in Collyhurst the company picked Francis House as one of their chosen charities of the year.

Gracienne Ikin, Brand Development and Communications Manager at HMG said: “We are thrilled to be the first business to be a Francis House 30k-er. After a tough couple of years during the pandemic, the team at HMG are looking forward to getting involved in fundraising activities. This year we are proud to be supporting Francis House alongside a couple of other chosen charities.”

As the country’s leading independent paint manufacturer, HMG Paints Ltd produce pioneering wet paint and aerosol products for a range of industries including commercial automotive, industrial, toy and hobby and decorative.

The company has already started planning a staff barbeque, a raffle to win extra holidays, a bake off and a team building exercise to kick-start its fundraising.

Money raised from the initiative will enable the charity to continue to expand and develop its services supporting hundreds of children and young people with life-limiting conditions and their families.

Fundraising officer Kate Puc of Francis House said: “We are delighted to be working with the team at HMG Paints in this our special anniversary year. As a family-owned business, we know how much emphasis they place on family values, and families are at the heart of everything we do at Francis House. We are truly grateful for their support.

“We hope other companies will follow HMG’s lead and become one of our 30k-ers. We have lots of suggestions to go about raising that £1,000 target.”

Teams can get involved in the hospice’s own events and challenges including: the Great Manchester Run, Cheshire Three Peaks Challenge or for daredevils there’s an abseil at the Trafford Centre.

“Above all we want people to enjoy themselves whilst raising money for a worthy cause,” added Kate.

Francis House opened its doors to families in 1991 and throughout its history has cared for thousands of sick children. There is no upper-age limit at the hospice, and this ensures that anyone who is referred as a child can continue to come for support, care, and respite for as long as they need it.

Francis House relies on charitable donations to fund the majority of the £12,900 per day running costs and as demand for its services grows, the support of the business community is more important than ever.

All 30k-ers will be invited along to a special thank you evening at the end of the birthday celebrations.

Any businesses wanting to join the 30k-ers initiative can contact Kate Puc on 0161 443 2200 or visit www.francishouse.org.uk/30th-anniversary