Three hundred firms from across the South West are being sought to join the region’s children’s hospice business club and support it in helping make a difference to young people with life-limiting illnesses and their families.
The Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) set up the club earlier this year to mark its 30th anniversary.
Some 100 businesses joined, each contributing £300 and, in return, getting opportunities to build connections, raise awareness of their company and, crucially, support the hospice.
Due to the unprecedented response from companies wanting to join, CHSW has decided to increase membership next year and is now seeking a further 300 businesses to come on board.
CHSW is partnering with Bristol-based specialist finance firm National Friendly Financial Solutions (NFFS) – one of the club’s founding members – to hold an exclusive event at Bristol concert venue St George’s, pictured, on November 24 for would-be members to find out more.
It will be the first in-person gathering of club members and also CHSW’s first physical networking event for 18 months.
CHSW corporate partnerships fundraiser Amanda Gallagher said: “Current members of the Business Club will be at the event and we’d like to invite any other companies to come along and discover how we can work together.”
NFFS is a long-time supporter of community and charity organisations in Bristol and across the South West, including CHSW, for which it has regularly sponsored its annual fundraising five-mile sponsored Moonlight Memory Walk. 
National Friendly PR & strategic partnerships executive Kurtis Reece said: “We are proud to be given the opportunity to become the sole sponsor of the first in-person event for business club members.
“Since the Business Club launched in January we have been working with CHSW to raise awareness of the initiative by informing other businesses of the benefits of joining.
“We have all been affected by the global pandemic and now many of us seek innovation, solutions and a safe way forward, post-Covid.
“Now is the time for solidarity and support which is an additional benefit of being part of the Business Club.”
St George’s Bristol, on Great George Street, has undergone a major refurbishment in recent years, including the addition of a contemporary extension that combines classic elegance with modern architecture.
Amanda Gallagher added: “St George’s Bristol is in a wonderfully central location and will provide an exceptional backdrop for what will be a beneficial afternoon of discussion and face-to-face interaction.”
St George’s Bristol chief executive Samir Savant said: “We look forward to welcoming members of CHSW’s Business Club to our venue, to network and enjoy the new award-winning spaces of our beautiful extension, and to learn more about our vibrant programme of cultural events and our work in our communities.
“As we emerge from the pandemic, we are delighted to host this gathering, one of the first private events in our new café/bar.”
The event will run from from 3pm-5pm. Tickets are free but must be obtained in advance at https://www.chsw.org.uk/event/registration/3097/tickets
Children’s Hospice South West needs around £11m a year to run its three hospices – including Charlton Farm hospice at Wraxall, near Bristol – around 85% of which is raised through voluntary donations.
Established in 1868, National Friendly specialises in private medical insurance, guaranteed life assurance, assisted living insurance, savings and investments.
It has no shareholders and exists to serve the best interests of its 33,400 members. Its head office is on Bristol’s Queen Square.
