Friends Provident International has announced donations to 12 Isle of Man charities after a year of fundraising by staff.

Fundraising began in January after every team within the company was allocated one month to raise funds for a charity of their choice.

Cake sales, car washes, raffles, and dress down days, are just some of the events that staff organised during the year.

A total of £14,078 was raised and to celebrate the success of the initiative, representatives of the charities were invited to Friends Provident International’s HQ in Castletown for coffee and cakes.

It also provided an opportunity for staff to find out more about the charities, and how the funds will be used to benefit the local community.

Steve Weston, managing director (IoM) and chief operating officer at Friends Provident International, said: ’Everyone at Friends Provident International values the community in which we live and work, and every year we look for opportunities to support local charities.

’This year’s fundraising initiative generated a lot of enthusiasm from staff, and inspired fun ideas for events from all of the teams involved. It was great to meet all of the charity representatives, and find out more about the excellent work they do. Christmas is all about giving, so it was an ideal time to celebrate the results of the fundraising campaign, and say thanks to everyone who has supported the events during the year.’

The charities which received donations are Children In Need, Macmillan Isle of Man, Craig’s Heartstrong Foundation, Hospice Isle of Man, Comic Relief, Isle of Man Foodbank, Isle of Man Anti-Cancer Association, Isle of Man Women’s Refuge, The Children’s Centre, RNLI, and ManxSPCA. Funds were also raised funds for a campaign to pay for proton therapy for Leo Keefe.

During 2017 other fundraising initiatives have helped 17 more island community organisations, including schools and sports clubs.

Kirree Armstrong, Val Haslam, Southern Befrienders

Steve Weston, managing director and chief operating officer, Friends Provident International