Guildford Philanthropy Christmas Meet at Guildford’s New Lighthouse.

Having been the Chair for nearly eight years and still a Panel Member, I was very much looking forward to the Corporate Ambassador Christmas drinks held by Guildford Philanthropy. Since 2019, nearly 50 local businesses have signed up to become Corporate Ambassadors of Guildford Philanthropy. It is an annual commitment and the vast majority renew that commitment every year. It provides a positive virtual circle as local charities benefit, firms satisfy their corporate and social responsibility through a donation (and if they choose pro bono help and staff volunteering days) and in return Guildford Philanthropy holds events every year where the businesses can network and see first hand what their donations have helped achieve.

The event was held at The Lighthouse’s new location at the top of Guildford High Street, which had been visited earlier in the week by the Duchess of Edinburgh. Last year, as a result of the amazing amount of money Guildfrod Philanthropy raised with Sally Barker, the then Mayor of Guildford at the Mistletoe Ball at G-Live, £10k was donated to The Lighthouse who then were able to provide 400 local children from deprived backgrounds with a Christmas present.

Erik Jespersen, Co-Founder of The Lighthouse, with his wife Rebecca, outlined to those present the incredible work they undertake to transform lives through kindness, belief and hope across four Lighthouse centres in Woking, Barnsbury, Aldershot and Guildford.