Staff at Coventry-based gas network Cadent proved that silence really is golden after raising more than £500 for Alzheimer’s Society in a silent promise auction.
A ‘glamping’ experience, a new hair do, car servicing, a posy of home-grown flowers and home-baked cakes and biscuits were just some of the prizes on offer as staff put in online bids.
The fundraiser was held to mark World Alzheimer’s Day (21 September) and the cash raised will go towards supporting people living with dementia and vital research into a cure.
Laura Barnes, Cadent’s Corporate Social Responsibility Advisor, who organised the event said: “We had a fantastic response from our staff in raising much-needed funds for this worthwhile cause.
“Someone develops dementia every three minutes. The money we have raised will provide vital support services for people with dementia and ultimately help to find a cure for this condition.”
Sinéad Donoghue, Head of Corporate Partnerships at Alzheimer’s Society said: “We’re thrilled that Cadent marked World Alzheimer’s Day with this brilliant fundraiser on behalf of Alzheimer’s Society. The staff in the Coventry office used their hidden talents to come up with some great prizes and we really appreciate all their energy and enthusiasm.
“Alzheimer’s Society is here for anyone affected by dementia and we’re so grateful that Cadent have united with us to ensure no-one has to face a diagnosis alone.”
In June Cadent announced a two-year fundraising partnership with Alzheimer’s Society. The company has pledged to raise £100,000 for the charity and to make at least 1,000 employees ‘Dementia Friends’.
‘Dementia Friends’ information sessions help people better understand the challenges faced by those living with dementia and the small ways in which they can help.
Alzheimer’s Society provides information and support, funds research and creates lasting change for people affected by dementia. For more information about Alzheimer’s Society go to
alzheimers.org.uk
10 facts about dementia
- 850,000 people with dementia in the UK – set to rise to one million by 2021.
- Dementia is the leading cause of death in England and Wales.
- One person develops dementia every three minutes.
- Dementia is not a natural part of ageing – over 40,000 people under the age of 65 are living with the condition.
- Dementia is caused by diseases of the brain – diseases such as Alzheimer’s cause nerve cells to die, damaging the structure and chemistry of the brain.
- It’s not just about memory loss. Although dementia often starts by affecting short-term memory, it can also affect the way people think, speak, perceive things, feel and behave.
- People can still live well with dementia. Scientists and researchers are working to find a cure but until then support and treatments are available that can help with dementia symptoms and managing daily lives.
- £40 pays for five people with dementia to attend an Alzheimer’s Society ‘Singing for the Brain’ session
- £150 pays for an Alzheimer’s Society National Dementia Helpline Advisor to provide 10 hours of crucial support to people affected by dementia
- £610 would pay for a Doctoral Training Centre to run for one day helping up to eight PhD researchers carry out ground-breaking studies in dementia research