People working for Paxton the Brighton based tech company, have travelled 53,709 virtual miles, raising £5,809 for the Clock Tower Sanctuary, who support homeless 16–25-year-olds in Sussex.
Paxton’s Around the World Challenge charity initiative started in the second year of the pandemic. Since then, over one hundred of the company's employees have taken part by walking, cycling, or running in their local area. Their combined distance travelled has taken them on a virtual world tour to each of the 33 countries Paxton supply products to.
Lorna Beaumont, Fundraising & Communications Officer for the charity said: “We can’t thank the people at Paxton enough for this incredible donation. We receive no statutory funding, so we rely on the fantastic support by local businesses and individuals, as well grants given by Trusts & Foundations to keep our doors open.
“At the Clock Tower Sanctuary, we work with young people who are homeless or insecurely housed. This is often due to childhood trauma. The money raised helps to pay for them to have a hot meal, shower, wash their clothes, and sign up for many activities which build confidence and self-esteem.”
Paxton completed its ambitious goal just in time for the end of 2021, with the last mile being clocked just before the new year. Kate Hotson, Project & Events Manager at Paxton, organised the challenge for the access control developer. She explains: “The Clock Tower Sanctuary are a small charity who do great things for young homeless people in Sussex.
“We are so happy with the total considering many of us have been working from home whilst fundraising.
“The money donated, will go towards making a difference for those in a less fortunate situation, and for that, I thank everyone involved.”
A key reason for Paxton’s involvement in this virtual fitness challenge is to help highlight the importance of how lockdowns and social restrictions have affected homeless people in their local area. It creates a medium for their employees to make a genuine difference and give something back to the people in their community.
Kate said: “Each year we choose one local charity to support. This means we can really focus on that organisation and raise a big lump sum to make the most impact.”
Paxton are currently voting for their charity of 2022. This will be announced in the coming weeks along with their fundraising plans throughout the year ahead. Kate explains: “All the suggestions have been put forward by our employees. They get to have their say and vote for the charities closest to their hearts.
“I cannot wait to see who we will be working alongside this year, and to start the fund raising all over again.”
Alongside this project, Paxton is passionate about making a difference in other areas of their local community. They have donated over 9000 meals throughout the pandemic to Food Banks in Brighton and Hove.
Supporting local charities has not been Paxton’s only community project of 2021. They have a group of volunteer gardeners that have continually spent their lunchbreak once a month at Mouslcoombe Primary School in Brighton, maintaining the gardens for their pupils.
In the autumn they started working with year 9 students at Patcham High School in Brighton, and the LoveLocalJobs Foundation. Together they are mentoring students with radio presenter Jack Hayes, on a programme called Dare to Dream.
