We have worked closely with Honda UK and Audi UK since being introduced by Jeremy Clarkson in 2001.
They have supported us by organising a corporate Powerboat race (Honda UK) and Karting Event (Audi UK), alternating the events each year. Both events are then hosted by the Clarksons with a wonderful contingent of celebrity team captains.
The ripple effect of this sponsorship has been extraordinary, not only in the amount raised (each event now raises over £100,000 in one day!) but also with the contacts made. Many of the celebrity team captains from each event have gone on to support us in other ways and the Corporate teams who attend have continued their support too. Some of the powerboats used in the race now carry the Helen & Douglas House logo and are raced worldwide.
Paul Ormond, Head of Corporate Press and PR for Honda UK sums up their support by saying,
"Remember that saying about it being better to give than receive? In a way that's how Honda's relationship with Helen & Douglas House has grown.
"To play a role in generating funds for something so unique and yet so meaningful and at the same time have fun, is at the core of our relationship with Helen & Douglas House.
"In this fast moving commercial world where no one has time for people, just being with the young people and staff at Helen & Douglas House helps keep the world in perspective!"
"Major brands and corporations are often challenged by the difficulty in selecting preferred charities. This is borne of a strong will to 'put something back' into the society that supports its products.
Jon Zammett, Head of PR for Audi (UK) adds,
"Audi UK is particularly proud to be a supporter of Helen & Douglas House House, not just because it is such a worthy cause and the individual recipients so deserving of help, but also importantly because the dedication of the place simply cannot be ignored. We are highly committed to being a major supporter of this special hospice and we know that our donations and fund raising are really making a tremendous difference to people's lives."
Above: Christian, who stays at Helen House, meets Roger Daltrey at the Audi Karting Challenge at Daytona Milton Keynes in September 2005.
