Architects swap Christmas cards for charity cheque

More about the appeal

Bid now for this week's auction lots

Calverley-based Acanthus WSM Architects has announced that instead of sending Christmas cards this year to its staff, clients and suppliers, the company will instead pledge its entire 500 cards and postage budget to this newspaper's campaign in support of grassroots community projects around the region.

The Government's promise to offer 1 for 1 match-funding for donations wherever possible through its Grassroots Grants programme means the donation is effectively worth 1,000 to local charities.

Acanthus managing director Jonathan Wingfield said: "We wanted to do something to support local charities, and decided this was one way to show our support for a great initiative.

"We had an in-house competition for people to design an e-Christmas card, and it then gets sent out to all our suppliers and clients.

"We put a note on the bottom explaining we are sending the e-card instead of paper Christmas cards, and that a donation has been made to charity."

The Yorkshire Post's Communities in Need appeal was launched earlier this month in partnership with the Yorkshire Community Foundations, a network of affiliated charities across the region which give grants to small-scale local projects. Every penny donated will be spent on projects fighting poverty within Yorkshire.

Mr Wingfield said his firm had made donations to its local community foundation before and had no hesitation in supporting the current appeal.

"I think it's so important to give something back to the community, and this is the best way for us to do that," he added.

The appeal has also been boosted with a donation of over 500 from Junior Chamber International Leeds, the local branch of a worldwide organisation for young businessmen and women.

President Claire Dempster said: "We are all passionate about Leeds and making a difference in local communities. We urge all readers to do what they can to support the campaign"

Why not have a festive event in your office , bake and sell cakes or have a dress down Friday to raise money for the appeal?