The importance of charity: Foundation 25 and International Day of Charity 2023
On this year’s International Day of Charity we highlight ICAS Deputy President, Alison Cornwell CA’s fundraising campaign Foundation 25.
Following on from her 1000-mile solo cycle raising funds for the ICAS Foundation in 2022, Alison is now calling on other CAs to join her and support the social mobility of talented young people.
Alison has amped up her fundraising efforts from last year and is looking for 25 CAs to take part and raise £1,000 each to collectively meet the £25,000 target.
Capitalising on the success of her solo cycle last year, when she single handedly raised £25,000, Alison recognizes that accountancy professionals have the resources to help young people looking to become accountants start their learning journey.
Alison says “You may not realise it, but as CAs we are in a position to help talented young people who don’t have the means to become an accountant. We hold a collective responsibility to support the work of the ICAS Foundation team and grow the future generation of accountancy professionals.”
The role charity plays in our society
Many of us donate to a charity of our own choosing because its cause resonates with us personally on some level. In 2022, 57% of UK residents regularly donated to charity, with a noticeable increase in people choosing to support environmental and conservation causes.
With the backing of supporters, charities have the power to change the lives of marginalized and underprivileged groups. However, the charity sector has faced many challenges in the past couple of years due to the pandemic, with many facing bankruptcy.
Those who are managing to stay financially afloat are working hard to implement change and amplify the voices of underrepresented communities in our society.
Eradicating poverty: What is the International day of Charity
Each year the International Day of Charity focuses on the importance of global solidarity to eradicate poverty and mobilizing people. It takes place on 5 September, which coincides with the anniversary of the death of one of the most dedicated and recognisable individuals to adopt and embody the true meaning of charity: Mother Teresa of Calcutta.
The ICAS Foundation
The ICAS Foundation, a charity established in 2014 provides bursaries, grants, mentoring, internship opportunities and practical support. They invite applications from less advantaged, but highly talented young people right up until they graduate, helping them to perform to their best potential. They support every young person for up to four years with individualised support, ready for further professional training and employment with a focus on a career in the accountancy profession.
To put this into context, 41% of the students they support came from the 30% most deprived areas in Scotland. The work of the ICAS Foundation relies on the generosity of CA members donating to the cause and also volunteering their time as mentors. This work wouldn’t be able to happen without their support.
Sanjay Singh, ICAS Foundation Director says, “We exist because CA members recognise the moral and ethical importance of the work we carry out to widen access to the profession and help those who are less advantaged, through no fault of their own, succeed in a career as a Chartered Accountant. Above all, our vision in partnership with ICAS and others motivated to create a diverse and inclusive sector for the future, is to improve life opportunities for young people. The charity needs your support, so please consider signing up to volunteer or donating to enable this vital work to continue.
To find out more, visit the ICAS Foundation website at www.icasfoundation.org.uk
Join Foundation 25
If you have ever wanted to raise money for a great cause but didn’t know where to start, then this is the perfect opportunity for you.
Taking part in Foundation 25 is easy. Pick a challenge and email us at communications@icas.com to join.
By signing up to fundraise for Foundation 25, you’ll be supported by the ICAS and ICAS Foundation team while fundraising and feature in CA magazine.
