A bighearted business networking group has raised £45,000 for charity through a series of adrenaline fuelled challenges and events.
BNI Evolution, a Glasgow chapter of the world's leading business referral organisation, meet once a week to share ideas and advice, allowing them to use their network of contacts to find business opportunities and referrals for one another.
Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus (SBH) Scotland joined the group in 2020 and all businesses of the 62 member strong group have increased their involvement with the charity.
This year has doubled their donation from last year through regular donations or members taking part in a variety of challenges including SBH Scotland’s famous Zipslide the Clyde, the Killiecrankie Bungee Jump and the Kiltwalk.
Outwith sponsored events, members such as Graham Wyllie of GFW Quality Management has become a Charity Ambassador, raising money and promoting the charity widely across his own business network, George Monaghan of Monapics donated his time to provide photography whilst the Joe Walker Group sponsored and attended events such as We Love Lunch.
All of the funds raised will help SBH Scotland continue to provide vital support to more than 4000 children, young people and adults across Scotland who are affected by the lifelong, complex conditions of spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus.
Stephen Cole, president of BNI Evolution and director of Cole AD said: "SBH Scotland are a brilliant charity, which makes a real difference to the lives of so many families across Scotland who are affected by spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus.
"The largest number of individuals supported is across Glasgow city and Lanarkshire so it’s particularly important to us as a Glasgow networking group, especially when we know how much they have to raise each year.
"BNI creates a community of likeminded people that are brought together with a central ethos of working together and helping one another.
"We’re delighted to end the year having given this amount, and it shows that there are truly no ends to what we can achieve in support of the communities in which we live.
"I’d encourage other businesses to offer their support to SBH Scotland to ensure the charity can continue to provide their life changing services for many more years to come.
"This could be sponsoring events or choosing SBH Scotland as a nominated charity for the year. Whatever you can do will make a difference."
Clare Cogan Turner, senior manager for SBH Scotland, added: "I am delighted to be part of such a conscientious group and couldn’t be more thankful for the continued support we receive.
"Their incredible donations of £45,000 will go directly towards our family support groups.
"These are a lifeline for families navigating the challenges brought about by rare disabilities.
"As members come together to uplift and empower one another, the impact ripples far beyond the confines of any meeting room, creating a legacy of compassion, understanding, and hope.
"We heavily rely on fundraising to reach our annual targets and with a goal of £1.4million to raise in 2023, corporate support is crucial to ensure that no family is left alone to cope, especially at this time of year.
"As we kick off 2024, we hope the generosity shown by the whole group at BNI Evolution inspires other businesses to get involved and make a positive difference to the lives of thousands of children, young people and adults."
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