Debenhams Ottaway raises over £9,000 for local charity Small Acts of Kindness

Debenhams Ottaway celebrates the end of its partnership with Small Acts of Kindness by raising over £9,000 for the local charity dedicated to ensuring every older person feels warm at home and connected to their community. The charity achieves this by sourcing and distributing practical gifts that reduce the negative effects of loneliness and isolation on older people’s physical and mental wellbeing.

The partnership began in 2022 when Debenhams Ottaway staff voted for Small Acts of Kindness as their chosen charity. Over the past three years, the firm has organised a variety of fundraising activities, including bake sales, quiz nights, sweepstakes, Christmas jumper days, and bingo nights.

A notable fundraising effort saw corporate and commercial senior associate Rebecca Lorne running for the charity at the London Marathon. The firm also took part in two LawNet Challenges, where a small team trekked across a challenging terrain in the Lake District to raise money for the charity.

A highlight towards the end of last year saw a team visit Small Acts of Kindness HQ in Watford to pack over 160 Warm in Winter gift bags, crucial for lonely older people across Hertfordshire, helping them stay warm during winter.

Lynne Misner, CEO of Small Acts of Kindness, expressed her gratitude: “Thank you, Debenhams Ottaway, for choosing us as your charity for the past three years. Your kindness and enthusiasm in raising much needed funds, will enable us to support even more vulnerable older people in Hertfordshire. We have really enjoyed working together to connect our community with kindness.”

Susan Glenholme, Debenhams Ottaway’s managing partner, commented, “Our involvement in the community is deeply embedded in our DNA; we always go the extra mile out of instinct rather than corporate policy. Our focus remains on helping small local charities where we can make a significant impact and I’m proud of the amount we have raised for this worthy local charity.”

As Debenhams Ottaway bids a fond farewell to Small Acts of Kindness, the firm embarks on an exciting new chapter with a three-year partnership with The OLLIE Foundation, a charity dedicated to preventing suicide among teenagers and young people.

Photo shows Small Acts of Kindness CEO Lynne Misner and Debenhams Ottaway managing partner Susan Glenholme.