The Access culture of giving back to causes that mean the most to employees is a constant source of pride within the business, which consistently smashes its fundraising targets and next year is forecast to be no exception.
Earlier this year employees in all international regions were asked to nominate a cause they were passionate about. Organisations were then shortlisted and the final partners were put to an employee vote with the following charities confirmed as official charity partners of the Access Group for 23/24.
- Australia - SANE Australia
- Ireland - ISPCC
- Malaysia - Malaysian Mental Health Association
- New Zealand - New Zealand Cancer Society
- Romania - Scoala Mamei Junior
- Singapore - Singapore Children's Society
- Sri Lanka - Child Action Lanka
- UK - Magic Breakfast
- USA - Mental Health America
- Vietnam - Saigon Children's Charity
In the UK, charity partner Magic Breakfast is addressing food insecurity for children across the UK. According to the Food Foundation, over 4 million children are at risk of hunger and without intervention, millions of children start their day without a meal and the essential fuel to grow and learn. Magic Breakfast provides nutritious breakfasts daily to children and young people, working with schools to support the most vulnerable children, positively impacting their lives and educational attainment.
Lindsey Macdonald, CEO of Magic Breakfast said:
"I am delighted that The Access Group employees nominated Magic Breakfast to be the company's UK Charity of the Year. I am incredibly grateful that they have recognised what a dire and desperate issue child hunger in the UK is, with 1 in 4 children now at risk of hunger. Just 28p can fund a Magic Breakfast to help fuel children and young people’s learning in our partner schools, setting them up for a bright future.”
In Sri Lanka, Singapore, Vietnam, Romania and Ireland, Access is also supporting children’s charities. Child Action Lanka in Sri Lanka works to protect the most disadvantaged children and provide holistic education, health and nutrition supporting their basic needs.
Mewan Amarakoon, Child Development Centre Head, Child Action Lanka commented:
"We recognise The Access Group's support with great gratitude. Amidst the worst socioeconomic crisis that Sri Lanka has faced, this contribution will directly better children’s lives. Nominating Child Action Lanka as the charity of the year in Sri Lanka recognises the work we do and strengthens our efforts to transform the lives of children and disadvantaged communities.”
In Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and the USA Access is supporting a range of physical and mental health charities.
The Malaysian Mental Health Association works to promote mental well-being in the community and provides support for people with mental health problems and their caregivers through support service provision, education, training, research and advocacy.
MMHA President, Dr Andrew Mohanraj said:
“The support from Access will go a long way to ensuring the sustainability of our programmes, namely psychosocial rehabilitation, mental health awareness and stigma reduction, not to mention our higher-level advocacy initiatives. At MMHA we hold on to our core belief that together we can do more. Thank you, Access for your faith in us."
In Australia, SANE is the leading national mental health organisation for the millions of Australians impacted by persistent, recurring or complex mental ill health and trauma.
Rachel Green, SANE CEO said:
“SANE is thrilled to be the Access Group charity partner and we are so grateful for the support. The funds raised through this partnership will help create better lives for people living with mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, OCD and PTSD.
Importantly, it will help keep the SANE Support Line running, enabling us to provide much-needed free counselling, support and information to over 20,000 individuals and families each year. We would like to extend an enormous thank you to Access and staff across Australia for their generosity and dedication to our important cause.”
Speaking on behalf of the Access Group, Claire Scott, Chief Employee Success Officer commented:
“At Access we love a challenge and we have collectively set the bar high following our donation to global charities of £1.3 million last year. We are delighted to be able to support so many incredible causes that directly impact people’s lives. As the Group grows, so does our capacity to help.
This year we are partnering with more charities than ever, extending our global charity partners from six to 10. So, as we continue to grow globally, we can give back even more to local communities and causes which are close to our hearts. We are now committed to exceeding last year’s total and doing everything we can to raise much-needed funds for our 10 new charities and the fantastic work they do.”