Hays Travel agents in Northern Ireland have successfully raised over £18,000 in support of Autism NI through various fundraising activities.
Demonstrating a strong commitment to community involvement, each travel branch utilised strategic planning and creative events to support the charity.
Each Hays Travel branch in Northern Ireland was awarded a £500 budget for charitable endeavours. Of this, £200 was consistently dedicated to supporting young people’s mental health initiatives annually, while the remaining £300 was designated for causes chosen by the branch.
This year, a unified decision across all branches channelled the £300 towards Autism NI, showcasing a collective focus on a single cause. This unified approach amplified the impact of their efforts, allowing them to engage in diverse and imaginative activities.
The branches orchestrated a plethora of events ranging from pub quizzes to daring challenges. Notably, Hays Travel Coleraine organised a pub quiz which raised over £1,000.
In another impressive feat, Noeleen McKay, a foreign exchange sales consultant, bravely abseiled down Belfast Castle, adding a unique flair to the fundraising efforts.
These diverse activities not only raised substantial funds but also engaged the local community, fostering a spirit of solidarity and support.
Together, the branches amassed £9,594 through their various activities.
This amount received a significant boost through match funding from the Hays Travel Foundation, elevating the total to a noteworthy £18,666.
Such support underscores the importance of corporate responsibility in enhancing charitable outcomes.
Nicola Allison, Hays Travel regional sales manager, expressed pride in the teams’ efforts, acknowledging their hard work and dedication to raising such considerable funds.
Sorcha Mathews, Autism NI’s corporate fundraising manager, highlighted that the contributions fund critical support services for the 35,000 autistic individuals in Northern Ireland.
The funds have been pivotal in sustaining essential services such as free autism support courses and Early Intervention sessions for affected families.
Every branch of Hays Travel now includes a staff member trained through Autism NI to support autistic travellers, providing a more inclusive travel experience.
This reflects Hays Travel’s dedication to creating an accessible and empathetic environment for all their customers.
Such initiatives promote a greater understanding and awareness within the travel industry.
Hays Travel’s Local Community Partnership initiative has contributed more than £142,642 to charities throughout its retail network in the past year, reflecting its wider commitment beyond just Autism NI.
The ongoing charity efforts have reinforced the brand’s position as a socially responsible business.
This long-term dedication to philanthropic work showcases the company’s focus on meaningful community engagement.
Looking ahead, these fundraising successes set a precedent for future charitable campaigns by Hays Travel.
Continued commitment to social causes is expected to enhance the brand’s reputation, fostering a culture of giving back within the organisation.
The concerted efforts of Hays Travel agents and the support of the Hays Travel Foundation have yielded a significant impact for Autism NI.
The initiative exemplifies a robust community engagement strategy that benefits both the charity and the company, reinforcing the importance of corporate social responsibility.
