Registered charity number: 1160989
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, 2024 was a landmark year for The Fine & Country Foundation. Over the past decade, the Foundation has provided crucial support to charities and organisations combating poverty and homelessness. Last year marked two significant milestones: raising £136,000 and surpassing a cumulative total of £1 million raised since its inception.
These achievements were only made possible through the dedication of the Fine & Country network, whose tireless fundraising efforts contributed to the success. Fundraising activities included a wide variety of events ranging from golf days, marathons, and Sleepout events to cake sales and many other creative initiatives.
February: Big Sleepout
Fine & Country Leamington Spa kicked off the year with the Big Sleepout. Braving cold February nights, the team spent a night outdoors on the grounds of All Saints Parish Church, raising £1,285 while gaining insight into the challenges faced by the homeless.
March: Silent Auction
During the Fine & Country International Annual Conference in London, a silent auction raised over £1,458. Generous donations funded items such as new ovens, towels, bedding, and food packages for those in need.
March: Everest Base Camp Trek
Lee Armstrong and Bert Rogers undertook a 15-day expedition to Everest Base Camp, raising £7,500. Nepal holds special significance for the Foundation, which, in 2018, helped rebuild Thangpalkot1, a village devastated by an earthquake.
May: Grand Union Canal Challenge
Jon Cooke, Trustee of The Fine & Country Foundation, and Sean Newman, joined by current age group World and European Duathlon Champion Craig Dyce, covered an impressive 154 miles over five days along the Grand Union Canal Towpath. Despite facing the physical toll of sore legs and strapped-up ankles, the trio preserved with their efforts raising £7,395 in the process.
July: Golf Day
The Summer months brought sunshine and camaraderie as Fine & Country members gathered at the Leamington & County Golf Club, raising £2,075 during a fun-filled charity golf event.
October: Coffee Morning
During October, Fine & Country offices hosted coffee mornings, welcoming the public into their offices to enjoy homemade baked treats and refreshments. Decorating their offices with balloons and bunting, participating Fine & Country licensees raised over £1,300.
December: Carols by Candlelight
Spending some festive cheer, The Fine & Country Foundation hosted their annual Carols by Candlelight event in collaboration with the iconic King’s College Cambridge. The event raised an incredible £20,000, which was donated to Emmaus Cambridge, Jimmy's Cambridge, Wintercomfort and Cambridge Cyrenians, all offering vital services to homeless people across the Cambridgeshire region.
In 2024, The Foundation awarded over £95,400 to 64 global charities through its grant schemes. During the Autumn grants, 37 charities were allocated funding, totalling £54,400, while in Spring, 27 charities received a share of £41,000. The Foundation's Grant Programme is dedicated to offering financial assistance to non-profit organisations, focusing specifically on supporting charities in the UK and abroad in the ongoing battle against homelessness and poverty. This funding provides crucial support to these charities, enabling them to sustain their vital community work.
Jon Cooke, Trustee of the Fine & Country Foundation, says: “The donations and grants that The Foundation provide are vital to many of the non-profit organisations fighting poverty and homelessness. The incredible support from our network and the public’s generosity has been instrumental in reaching these milestones. We are proud of what we’ve accomplished together and look forward to continuing this important work.”
As The Foundation celebrates a decade of impactful work, it invites everyone to join its mission. If you're thinking about planning a fundraiser in 2025, let us know at foundation@hq.fineandcountry.com.
Registered charity number: 1160989