From the turkey with all the trimmings and presents for the children to fresh mistletoe and sixpences for the Christmas puddings, the teams had to acquire a wide variety of items from local stores. The Aerial teams also took to the local pubs to do some carol singing in order to raise extra donations. The objective was to raise the most donations whilst completing the task in the fastest time with the help of Aqua Cars, who kindly provided transport for the event. Aerial are also grateful to Lidl, who on hearing that the goods were being donated to a good cause, covered the bill and to Waitrose in Southsea for contributing a turkey.
At the end of the challenge, all of the items were packaged into hampers and taken to The Roberts Centre. In addition, Aerial Business Communications raised over £1,700 for the charity. The key workers there delivered them to the families they support. One key worker said, 'I have never seen anyone so excited before. Little things like the sprig of holly and some mistletoe really brought the family so much joy.'
The challenge's winning team were rewarded with a meal out at Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth, whilst the loosing team had to sing ‘Do They Know it’s Christmas?’ as a forfeit at the office party afterwards.
Paul Davis, Managing Director of Aerial Business Communications said, ‘Christmas is a special time for families and it is with great pleasure that we as a company are able to help those less fortunate than us. Whilst the team building aspect is great fun for the staff, knowing that our event will be making some families‘ Christmases perhaps just a little bit better, makes it all the more worthwhile’.
The Roberts Centre, a child-focused charity, provides temporary accommodation, supported housing, resettlement services, child contact services and a day nursery, all of which help to improve the lives of vulnerable families throughout Portsmouth, Gosport & Havant. The charity will be holding many fundraising events during 2017, in celebration of providing homeless family support for 30 years.
Melanie Goddard, the Family Services Manager at The Roberts Centre said, ‘Christmas can be a great financial strain on many of our families and this amazing team building idea will mean that for some of our families this worry will be greatly reduced. We cannot thank the team at Aerial Business Communications enough. This will mean that families can stop worrying about the cost and simply enjoy being together as a family’.
A disabled mum with three children, said, 'Receiving this support really took the pressure off. It was a lovely meal on the day and it made all the difference. We had a great Christmas day. Thank you.' Another mum described it as, 'Amazing!' and kept repeating her thanks.