Swindon-based business leader co-ordinated £55,000 children's appeal

Global flexible workspace provider IWG raised £55,000 and donated over 4,000 physical toys to children in need through the KidsOut 2022 Giving Tree Appeal.

Christine Razey, Swindon-based Team Leader and Community Manager for IWG PLC, who currently supports several of IWG’s business centres within Gloucester, Wiltshire and Reading, used IWG’s national network to raise funds for the children’s refuge charity. 

She said: “I feel very honoured to be an ambassador for KidsOut, working with my brilliant colleagues at IWG to make a difference to the lives of women and children living in safe houses.  

"Hearing about the positive impact the donations have had from the women and children themselves is incredible and really highlights the importance of the scheme. One mother told us that her child arrived at the refuge centre “with nothing”, but now thanks to donations, she has a new favourite toy to replace the one she had to leave behind.

"Ultimately, I am thankful to have an employer and clients who were willing to join me on this journey and help make a difference to children’s lives. Hopefully, we can raise even more in 2023!”

The toys donated through the appeal enabled KidsOut to provide every child living in a staffed refuge in the UK with a Christmas Toy Box, supporting over 12,000 children sheltering in safe houses.

KidsOut supports families escaping domestic violence, who can have a particularly hard time at Christmas, both emotionally and financially. 

Many mothers struggle to provide the essentials, let alone presents for their children. 

KidsOut recognises that something as simple as a new toy can be vital in reminding children living with disadvantage what it’s like to be children through play. 

IWG’s donation and fundraising efforts have had a positive impact on the scheme and a direct impact on families in need, with a refuge worker stating that, “the children were delighted with the gifts they received…the toy donations helped to keep the Christmas magic alive.” 

IWG UK CEO Richard Morris said: “We are so proud of Christine and the team for everything they have done to support  their local communities and the huge difference the gifts have made to these families.”