The Furniture Makers’ Company, the City of London livery company and charity for the furnishing industry, is to launch its largest fundraising campaign in its 120-year history next month in response to Covid-19.
The charity wants to raise £250,000 to support people from the trade who have been impacted by Covid-19.
The campaign aims to inspire companies and individuals to organise sports-based fundraisers in aid of the charity, encouraging friends, family and co- workers to join in.
Step 2 It is being launched following a year that saw the charity award record numbers of financial grants to people from the trade whose lives and livelihoods were disrupted by the pandemic.
‘The number of enquiries for support from our charity skyrocketed in 2020 because of the devastating impact of Covid-19. The launch of the Step 2 It campaign couldn’t have come at a more critical time as it’s clear that the economic impact of Covid-19 will be with us for some time to come and we predict that there will be many people who will continue to need support,’ says David Woodward, The Furniture Makers Company master.
‘With many of us having led more sedentary lives than normal over the past year, we’re hoping Step 2 It will encourage the trade to get active by organising Covid-compliant events that bring people together and promote the charity’s work while raising funds. What you do to raise the money is up to you. It could be something as simple as a sponsored walk or a company game of rounders – whatever you want. What’s more, thanks to a generous benefactor, every single penny we raise will be match funded, giving you double the reason to Step 2 It and raise money for our charity.’
In addition to urging companies and individuals to organise their own fundraisers, The Furniture Makers’ Company will be hosting various events around the country with support from its regional committees, as well as several fun online challenges, that people can get involved in from May 2021 to April 2022.
Businesses or individuals wishing to get involved and organise a Step 2 It event are encouraged to go to www.furnituremakers.org.uk/step2it and complete a pledge form to receive a free Step 2 It campaign pack. The pack includes advice, event planning tips and other materials to help companies organise and promote a successful event. Sponsorship packages are available for those that want to sponsor the campaign.
‘On behalf of The Furniture Makers’ Company, I would like to thank the companies that have already signed up as a Step 2 It sponsor: Axminster Tools (silver), Lamello (silver), Ocee Design (silver) Panaz (silver), the British Contract Furnishing Association (bronze), the British Furniture Manufacturers Association (bronze) and Celtheath (bronze). It’s my hope that in a few months’ time, we will have an incredible calendar of events happening around the country – so, please, Step 2 It and support your industry charity by signing your company up now,’ says Woodward.
