At Opendoorz we have made it a priority to give back to our local communities. In 2024 rather than having one Charity of the year, each of our 11 groups choose their own. Supporting local charities isn’t just a way to contribute to a cause; it’s an essential part of how we strengthen the connections between our businesses and the places where we operate. We believe that when businesses engage with their communities, everyone benefits.
One of the greatest advantages for our members is the opportunity to actively participate in charity work that goes beyond just fundraising. Our members regularly provide valuable services that help these charities thrive. With a diverse membership of business owners from various sectors, they offer a range of support, including awareness of the charity and even pro bono or reduced-cost services in areas such as marketing, legal advice, and financial consulting. Being able to attend our guest events each month our COTY fund raisers get to develop their skills in promoting the work of the charity and relationship engagement.
This kind of involvement not only helps the charities but also enriches our members’ businesses. By contributing to meaningful causes, our members gain visibility within their communities, develop stronger relationships, and demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility. These interactions foster a sense of shared purpose, which can inspire innovation and collaboration across different industries.
Our collective approach ensures that charities don’t just receive financial aid; they gain access to tools and expertise that can drive long-term impact. Whether it’s through raising awareness, building stronger community ties, or providing much-needed professional services, the benefits are mutual.
We are proud to support charities that are making a real difference, and as we work together, we are constantly reminded of how fulfilling it is to be part of something bigger than ourselves.
Here is just a small sample of what our charities had to say. Sorry we can’t name each one of our amazing members individually for their contributions.
Our Cheltenham group chose The Spring Centre as their COTY and Liza Beszteri from the charity had this to say:-
We have received £2975 in fundraising, IT Support worth @ £3000, HR advise, Marketing materials, legal and vehicle advise. In addition number of our members volunteered their time in a range of activities.
Sandra Dibling from Oxfordshire Mind tally’s up around £15k’s worth of support from our North Oxford group through two main events and many silent auction prizes donated by members or their connections. They also had a survey of fire doors and fire extinguishers, 5 Workplace Wellness pop up events at various Oxford Business Parks during 2024, supported prices on Roller Banners, Flags and other marketing merchandise from a member. Sandra added it’s been an absolute pleasure working with Opendoorz and loves the ongoing support, professionalism, advice, and kindness.
Oxford United in the Community are the COTY for our Frilford group and Matt Everett their CEO was delighted to share the following benefits:-
- Fundraised a fantastic £1279 at the firewalk!
- 2 opportunities to present the charity and gain invaluable feedback from a working group about the positioning of the charity and our fundraising which has been really beneficial
- Peer support and a network of people which is really benefitting me personally and professionally
- Received legal SLA support FOC
- Receiving event support and invitation to expand connections
- A potential grant from St James Place of £3k
Ella Sandford from Yellow Submarine is involved with our Oxford group and said that being an Opendoorz COTY was amazing. Her words were, we are networking with personal connection at its core—that’s what makes Opendoorz Ltd such a successful and unique networking group!
Ella went on to say that as a charity in a business networking environment, it can often be challenging to ensure that your voice and value are heard. However, with Opendoorz, this has never been the case. From the very first session, I was welcomed with open arms and given the same opportunities as every other member.
Yellow Submarine have received £3,780 through fundraising, met with a number of our members and are arranging a customer service session for trainees. Ella finishes by saying that she feels the collaboration has been invaluable in terms of connections and advice they otherwise wouldn’t get! It’s also just really useful listening to the discussions take place over the meetings for both the charity and my own professional development with the CPDs.
Our North Cotswold group have been supporting Chipping Norton Theatre and their Theatre fundraiser Katie Shama told us that the total fundraised was £2,279.80. In addition from members they’ve had £2860 in sponsorship and advertising, a gift of a £1500 digital screen and lots of ticket sales for the Christmas panto.
They’ve also had connections with local radio and some volunteering for Christmas family activities from members.
Katie finished by adding thank you for being so welcoming, and encouraging, its been brilliant to be part of the group this year.
No surprise we feel humbled to be able to involve such worthy charities with each of our groups and will be extending the COTY status for a further year with many them plus including a couple of new ones this year.
Being involved with local charities is more than just an act of kindness—it’s an opportunity for growth, connection, and lasting impact.
