News

Mobile phone giants Vodafone have sponsored a member of staff to work for the Trust for two months.

Volunteer and longterm supporter of Sebastian's Action Trust, Meirion Shaw applied to the Vodafone World of Difference scheme last year asking if they would sponsor her to work for the Trust for two months, as a dedicated fundraiser.

The Trust was delighted at the News that Meirion was one of 500 successful applicants and in just a few weeks at the Trust Meirion has already helped to raise an incredible £140,000.  

Meirion said: "I have been involved with the Trust since the beginning, mainly raising funds with events and was instrumental in their introduction to Bewley Homes, the developers who worked with the Trust to achieve planning permission for the holiday house it aims to build. Now the house is close to being a reality, I decided that it was time for me to put some serious time and energy in to raise the rest of the money needed. However, I was already juggling a job, three kids and a husband. A friend heard a radio promotion for the Vodafone World of Difference Programme and suggested I apply. Vodafone have sponsored 500 people like me to work for the charity of their choice for two months. For some it meant they could afford to take a sabbatical from work, for others it meant they could financially afford to give 100% of their time and energy to a cause close to their heart – like me.

"Over 1,100 people applied countrywide and when I heard I had been selected I was over the moon.

The difference it has made so far to the Trust is huge. I am in the office full time. Having set a target of £250,000 we have so far raised £140,000 and are going strong. But it’s not just me raising this money – one of the volunteers, John, realised he could contact the companies he used to work for and ask them for donations and was successful too. My new motto is “If you don’t ask, you don’t get!”

The Trust is extremely grateful to Meirion and to Vodafone.

To read Meirion's blog about her time at the Trust click here.

Picture courtesy of the Woking News and Mail