Santander gets Marie Curie off to a big new year's start

Marie Curie has been chosen by Santander UK as their new Charity of the Year partner for 2012, following an all staff vote.

The year long Santander partnership has a fundraising target of £500,000 which will help fund 25,000 hours of free Marie Curie Nursing care for people in their own homes.

The New Year fundraising activity will kick off with staff taking part in a dress down Go Yellow for Marie Curie Nurse’s Day. Santander’s 25,000 staff will also be challenged to take on a pledge to raise £20 in the partnership year - the equivalent of one hour of free nursing care.

Thomas Hughes-Hallett, Chief Executive of Marie Curie, said:
“We are delighted to have been chosen as the charity of the year by one of the leading financial services providers in the UK. The support of Santander this year alone will help fund 25,000 hours of free nursing care.

"This partnership will help ensure that more people with a terminal illness receive the right care at the right time in the place of their choice and Santander staff will play a huge role in this."
 
Sheralee Morris, Santander's Community Manager, said: “We’re really looking forward to working with Marie Curie this year and getting involved in lots of fundraising events to help us reach our target of £500,000.  Our charity of the year fundraising relationships have grown year on year and I’m confident that this partnership will exceed all expectations.”

Other activity during the year will see Santander staff support the charity’s Great Daffodil Appeal in March, donating items to Marie Curie’s 168 shops in a big spring clean, Blooming Great Tea Parties in the summer and Santander’s very own Brain Game gala quiz. Staff will also be getting active by taking part in 'It’s a Knockout' competitions across the country and trekking the Great Wall of China.

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