FBU Santa Dash is a Huge Success!

December 9th, 2019

The #FamilyBizSantaDash for 2019 has just concluded with bags full of warm clothing and blankets collected for the homeless plus over £3,000 raised for CentrepointUK too.

Family Business United once again teamed up with FBU members Plan Insurance to make a difference and support the UK's leading youth homelessness charity this Christmas and to collect warm clothing and blankets to help those on the streets too.

As Paul Andrews, founder of FBU explains, "Each year we like to try and do something to make a difference and in December and given that FBU is all about families in business with family values at the core of these businesses, we wanted to do something that resonates with who we are as an organisation.  So, we have just completed our third Family Business Santa Dash, collecting warm clothes to distribute to the homeless and funds to support youth homelessness too."

Essentially the trip in a liveried and sponsored 'sleigh' takes place over a week visiting family firms who have encouraged staff and customers to donate items, including unwantned CD's and DVD's that can then be converted into cash, taking pictures en route and touring businesses at the same time. 

2019 saw the trip start at New Wave Marine in Plymouth before winding its way back to London and a concluding visit to Ridgeview Winery in Sussex.  Along the route the generosity of the family business community was clearly evident as the van was filled with items that will make a difference to lives this festive season.  As well as encouraging donations from the firms visited on the way, family firms across the UK sent in donations of items, as well as cash that saw the total funds raised for CentrepointUK, the UK's leading youth homelessness charity exceed £3,100 too.

As well as the road trip regional donations to the cause were received from all over the UK including Cumbria, Glasgow and East Anglia.

As Paul adds, "This is an important campaign for us to bring the family business community together and has grown into an integral part of the FBU calendar. We could not do it without the incredible support of Plan and it is a real pleasure to work with them on the campaign each year.  Our 'sleigh' sponsors were also fantastic and the family firms that we visited were so supportive, embracing the idea and welcoming us with open arms and kind hearts.  It is a week away from the office but far from being a chore, it is wonderful to see the family business community pull together and collectively make such a difference.  It is a shame that homelessness is such a major issue across the UK but a pleasure to do something that will undoubtedly make a small difference this Christmas."

Alongside Brewers’ Exeter, Bristol and Newton Abbot stores, the FBU visited many other family firms along the way including New Wave Marine, Hanbury-Autogil, Ridgeview Winery, Wyke Farms, Pattersons, Bath Ales and St Austell Brewery and many more.

As Paul concludes, "Thank you to everyone who supported the 2019 campaign.  It has generated quite a collection of items and a nice donation to a charity that transforms lives and we really do appreciate all the support.  Thank you.  All that is left now is to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and all the best for a fabulous 2020."