Spotlight on: Helen Haskell, Head of Fundraising for Corporate Partnerships for The Grand Appeal

Every so often we like to shine the spotlight on our members, and in this case one of the members of the Bristol Initiative. We sat down with Helen Haskell, Head of Fundraising for Corporate Partnerships for The Grand Appeal to talk about their life at The Grand Appeal and their relationship with the Bristol Initiative.

Sam Harrison: Tell us about your role – what do you have responsibility for? What does a typical day look like? 

Helen Haskell: I’m the Head of Fundraising for Corporate Partnerships for The Grand Appeal. I lead on working with all our wonderful fundraisers and supporters from companies across the South West. We are incredibly fortunate to have so many businesses that share our passion: ensuring sick children and their families at Bristol Children’s Hospital have all the help they need. 

Every day, I meet inspiring people who want to make a difference to the hospital and our city by fundraising and donating. 

No two days are the same here at The Grand Appeal! I could be attending a networking event, cheering on a team taking part in a cycle challenge, or shouting about how incredible our hospital is. It’s an incredibly varied and interesting role. Currently, I’m working on a brand-new event for Bristol’s businesses called Beat the Brain Surgeon™ but more on that later... 

SH: What does your organisation do? Why do you like working for them?

HH: The Grand Appeal is the official charity for Bristol Children’s Hospital. We help save young lives and support families when they need it most. From funding life-saving equipment, family accommodation and art, music and play therapy, we aim to make the hospital the best place it can be.

We are also the team behind the world-famous Gromit Unleashed public arts trails and run The Gromit Unleashed Shop at The Mall at Cribbs Causeway. If you haven’t been, it’s worth a visit!

It still amazes me that despite going through the toughest of times, the children and families we meet still find the strength to support our charity. Everyone has bad days at work, but ultimately, I know what I’m doing makes a real difference to the children’s hospital, and that’s what keeps me motivated. It is the reason I’ve been at the charity for nearly 12 years

SH: Why have you joined the Bristol Initiative? 

HH: The Grand Appeal has been a member of the Initiative for four years. Membership offers us the perfect opportunity to be part of the business community and share our events and activities with other members. It also enables us to be involved in what’s happening in the region and to hear about how these changes will affect the charity. 

SH: What are the key agendas that you’re looking forward to getting involved with?

HH: We are always looking for new partnerships and would love to hear from anyone who would be keen to support Bristol Children’s Hospital and give back to their local community. But perhaps the most exciting addition to our calendar is Beat the Brain Surgeon™. 

We’re calling on companies from Bristol and beyond to join us for a night of glitz and glam and to take on a top team from Bristol Children’s Hospital in the ultimate quiz night. It’s a chance to network, socialise and enjoy some friendly competition. Tickets include a three-course meal and plenty of bubbly. Created with corporates in mind, it promises to be a highlight of the year at the historic Bristol Museum & Art Gallery. 

We hope to see you this September. For more information, visit our website.

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SH: Where is your favourite place to visit in Bristol?

HH: Bristol is a wonderful place to call home, and as a non-Bristolian, I’ve very much fallen for its charms! I am a country girl at heart and I love green spaces. You’ll most likely find me walking my dog Frazzle at Ashton Court, Blaise Castle, or The Downs. 

You can follow the fantastic work of The Grand Appeal on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. If you are a member of a Business West Chamber of Commerce and would like to be featured in a blog just like this one then you can get in touch.