A company-wide charity day in aid of Headway

Northridge Finance is a division of the Bank of Ireland that provides personal and commercial finance. They have an office in Belfast, and one in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire. Every year, the company holds a charity day, and in 2024, they chose Headway - the brain injury association.

Jonny Waddell, Direct Sales & Marketing Manager, said “Our connection to Headway is very close.”

Towards the end of last year, one of the Northridge team faced the news that their parent had a sudden, life-threatening brain injury, and was given just weeks to live.

Jonny went on to say: “Headway was there from the start to assist and support the entire family, and I am so happy to say that he is working towards making a miraculous full recovery! The whole family said that if Headway had not been there to help, they would have no idea how they would have gotten through such a worrying time. Headway helped with tons of information, assistance and basically anything and everything they needed. They are very thankful to the charity so we would love to give as much as we can back.”

Coming together for a cause

The company has held smaller fundraising events in the past, but this was their first big, double-office event supporting one charity.

There are keen bakers across both offices, so a bake sale was a must. Not only did the delicious goodies raise funds for Headway, but it also further brought the team together, who have now started a regular baking club!

Next, a cross-office quiz got the competitive spirit building. In addition to all the usual quiz rounds, Northridge added questions specific to their business which everyone thought was great fun. (We’re told it’s important to note here that the Belfast-based team currently hold bragging rights!).

Finally, the team held a raffle, calling on colleagues from across both offices and appealing to other local businesses to donate prizes. With some fabulous prizes up for grabs the raffle was a big hit.

“The best thing about our company are the people, we always come together to help one another. Everyone had a great laugh and there was a real buzz in the offices!”

The Northridge team certainly came together in support of Headway, raising a fantastic amount which will go directly to improving life after brain injury.

Company fundraising

If you would like to find out more about how your company or employer can support Headway – the brain injury association we would love to hear from you. There are ideas to get you started here, or our dedicated Fundraising Team would be happy to help.