10 down, 2 to go: Chamber marks centenary with monthly challenges

The Chamber offices have been buzzing with excitement as the team reaches 10 monthly challenges to celebrate the centenary.

After teaming up with furry friends to tread a collective 100,000 steps at August’s netwalking event, September was spent clearing out wardrobes and donating 100 items of clothing to All Aboard charity shops. Everyone had a rummage at home to find jeans, jumpers, tops and other clothing no longer in use that could be donated.

Chamber CEO Donna Schultz said: “Despite seeming like a small drop in the ocean, every item of clothing we have donated to All Aboard charity shops will help towards creating a more sustainable world by allowing pre-loved items to have second lives.

“The fantastic work that All Aboard does for UK charities means that this challenge will have helped to raise much-needed funds for work on various worthwhile community projects.”

All Aboard turns pre-loved goods into something meaningful, supporting more than 75 UK charities by providing grants for projects focused on community, education, medical equipment, older people’s welfare and youth development.

October was also a month for supporting charitable causes, this time with 100 ghoulish goodies – thanks to Costco Wholesale Stevenage – given to Herts Welcomes Refugees in partnership with Hertfordshire Community Foundation (HCF) to mark Halloween.

HCF, our patron charity, is an independent charity that partners with businesses, families and individuals to deliver targeted support to communities, making sure essential support and resources reach the people who need them most.

Donna said: “With over 100,000 annual beneficiaries, the work that Hertfordshire Community Foundation carries out is part of the vital network of support that our county relies upon. We are proud to have donated 100 sweet, Halloween-inspired surprises to be part of this meaningful work.

“From making donations and handing out goody bags to running, walking and cycling our way towards the number 100 throughout the year, the creativity and camaraderie of the team when striving to complete these monthly challenges has been remarkable.”