Renowned figures, leaders and captains of industry have joined Acorns growing list of Business Ambassadors who play a key role in raising awareness of the charity within the business community and vital funds towards its children’s hospice care.
Each of Acorns Business Ambassadors is joining the charity in a two-year partnership and has committed to raising £5,000 each year.
Libby Kaluna, Partnership Fundraising Manager at Acorns, said: “We’re thrilled to see this important programme continue to go from strength to strength and couldn’t be more excited to have more of the region’s very best in business join us as Ambassadors.
“The passion and expertise of each of our Ambassadors plays such a key role in championing our work and growing support within the business community. Together, they will help us not only raise awareness of our care and support, but vital funds to enable us to be there for every child and families that need us.”
Acorns Business Ambassadors will represent the charity at various events during their tenure, from cheque presentations and networking groups to attending public engagements within the business community. The group will come together for quarterly meetings chaired by Paul Cadman, Professor of Entrepreneurship at Birmingham University and Acorns Vice President.
Libby added: “We’re so grateful to each and every Ambassador for joining Team Acorns. They bring with them unique experience and a platform that will enable us to reach more people and celebrate our work.
“We’re thrilled to have them on board and look forward to sharing ideas and expertise and making a real difference to some of the most remarkable families in our community.”
Acorns Children’s Hospice provides specialist palliative care for life limited and life threatened children and support for their families from its three hospices, based in Birmingham, Walsall and Worcester, and in the community.
In the past year the charity has cared for more than 800 children and over 1,000 families, including those who are bereaved.
It cost Acorns £27,000 per day to provides its lifeline care and support, the bulk of which comes from fundraising and partnerships.
To find out more about becoming one of Acorns Business Ambassadors, please email the Partnerships Team on partnerships@acorns.org.uk or call 01564 825037.
Acorns Business Ambassadors
Andy Dawson, Co-Founder and Director at Curium Solutions
Andy Dawson is Co-founder and Director at consultancy firm Curium Solutions and lives in Birmingham with his two sons.
He said: “I was introduced to Acorns Chief Executive Toby Porter and went to visit the hospice in Birmingham and was humbled by the experience. Since then, I’ve supported Acorns through various fundraising efforts and Curium have provided Toby and his teams with some team development activities.”
John Loveday, Founder of Toppa and Study Academy
John Loveday is founder of Toppa and Study Academy, two online education businesses based in the city. Originally from Castle Bromwich, John served in the military before setting up his own business.
He said: “Acorns plays such an important role in the community, supporting families at times of such difficulty. The work they conduct is literally lifechanging, who wouldn’t want to be a part of supporting such a fantastic charitable organisation. I can now use my business network and experience for good, making an impact and supporting Acorns now and in the future.”
Muaiad Fraha, founder and managing director of FRAHA Ltd
Muaiad Fraha is Founder and Managing Director of FRAHA Ltd, a digital marketing and events manage ment agency that specialises in working with businesses in the hospitality sector.
A creative professional, Muaiad leapt into entrepreneurship and established an independent agency after nearly a decade of working as a graphic designer.
He said: “As a Birmingham-based entrepreneur, I’m honoured to support such a well-loved and worthy cause that’s bringing some light to the most harrowing circumstances by helping local families make the most of the time they have together.”
Neil Jones, Director and Corporate Lawyer at Ansons Solicitors
Neil Jones is a Director and Corporate Lawyer at Ansons Solicitors, a Staffordshire based Law firm with offices across the region in Cannock, Lichfield, Mere Green (Sutton Coldfield) and Halesowen.
Although originally from Shrewsbury, Neil’s lived and worked in the Midlands for nearly all of his life.
He said: “Being an avid and long suffering (aren’t we all) Aston Villa fan I am well aware of the fantastic work Acorns does and has done over the years. The care and support they provide is immeasurable and when the opportunity arose, I could not think of a better way in which I could put something back into the local community.”
Angel Gaskell, Managing Director and Co-founder of HDY content and marketing agency
Angel Gaskell is the Managing Director and Co-founder of independent content marketing agency, HDY. Situated in Digbeth, Birmingham’s buzzy creative quarter, HDY has just celebrated its third birthday.
She said: “As a Brummie-based business owner, I’ve always felt that Acorns is a charity at the heart of a bustling community. In over 30 years, the charity has had an overwhelming impact on the lives of children and young people who have life-limited or life-threatening conditions and I would love to support their outstanding contribution to the West Midlands.”
Katie-Jo (KJ) Clarke, Sales Executive for Downtown in Business
KJ Clarke is a Sales Executive for Downtown in Business, responsible for Birmingham and the surrounding areas.
She said: “I have chosen to be an ambassador at Acorns Children’s Hospice for a million reasons but mainly because I am so passionate about what they do and if I can use my position to support and give back to an amazing charity then why shouldn’t I?
“After the last year, supporting charities is more important than ever and I am truly honoured to now be a part of Acorns and really hope I can help make a difference.”
Jessica Brabant, Regional Sales Manager at Park Regis Hotel
Jessica Brabant is the Regional Sales Manager for Park Regis Birmingham, responsible for meetings, conferences and events within the hotel. She lives in South Birmingham with her partner and son.
She said: “I have followed Acorns closely throughout my life, after my Mum – a journalist – ran a two-part special on the charity for ITV News, and I spent some time at the hospice. What struck me immediately was the warmth of the hospice, and how the families were at the forefront of it all. It wasn’t a sad place – there was still laughter and happy, smiling faces, despite the heartbreak that these families were going through.
“When I was asked to represent Acorns as a Business Ambassador, I jumped at the chance, not only as a proud Brummie but also as a person who can talk very fondly about this wonderful charity.”
