People’s Partnership names its charity of the year

Manor Royal pension provider People’s Partnership has announced that the much-loved local institution Crawley Open House will be its staff charity of the year for 2023/4.

Crawley has the second highest level of homelessness in Sussex, with Crawley Open House giving shelter to as many as 55 people every night and providing training for those in need.

By becoming charity of the year, Crawley Open House will benefit from fundraising and volunteering by the 750 employees at People’s Partnership during the next 12 months.

The not-for-profit provider of The People’s Pension, which has more than six million members across the UK, has a long association with Crawley Open House and, in 2021, donated £20,000 to help toward the build of its new resource centre. 

The Manor Royal-based organisation provides its staff with volunteering days to help in the community and has previously supported local good causes such as Sussex Search Dogs and Holbrook Animal Rescue. Last year’s chosen charity, Olive Tree Cancer Support Centre, received nearly £3,600 as a result of staff fundraising at People’s Partnership.

Nicola Sinclair, Head of Responsible Business at People’s Partnership, said: “As an organisation that was founded for social good, we’re thrilled that our staff have decided to dedicate their fundraising activity for the next year to Crawley Open House. It’s an incredible charity, which provides a service which is, sadly, much needed, to Crawley and the wider area. Its values resonate strongly with our own purpose and values as a company to make a difference for people.”

Ian Wilkins, Fundraising and Relationships Manager at Crawley Open House said: “We are delighted to have been chosen as Charity of the Year by People’s Partnership. It’s a great endorsement of the work we do – providing accommodation and support to those experiencing homelessness in and around Crawley.

“We have got to know some of the staff at People’s Partnership and we are very excited at coming up with some creative and meaningful joint activities this year, to raise funds for our work and also awareness around the issues of homelessness and poverty locally.”