14th Nov 2011 - 00:00
Abstract
Margo Newhouse, from Kirkham in Lancashire, has won this year’s Sodexo Foundation Merit Award for her outstanding commitment to STOP Hunger – a campaign that aims to tackle poor nutrition in local communities across the UK.
Newhouse, Sodexo service manager at Weeton Barracks in Blackpool, was presented with the award by the company's UK and Ireland chief executive, Aidan Connolly, in front of more than 370 guests at the Sodexo Foundation's recent annual dinner in London.
Newhouse organised varied and original fundraising ideas to raise 222% of the original fundraising target set for Sodexo Defence. Her fundraising activities included a sponsored waxing; a collection and sale of used recyclable aluminium drinks cans to a local recycling centre; sale of football cards; a sponsored balloon release and a World Cup sweepstake. She also organised a sponsored 180-mile run from Strensall in York to Stevenage which raised £1,000 for STOP Hunger.
Funds raised for the STOP Hunger campaign will be used to educate and provide relief from hardship in relation to health, nutrition and wellbeing. Across the UK, the campaign supports charitable organisations that promote healthy eating and lifestyles; provide food to those in need and deliver basic life skills training. This is done by providing financial support; sharing expertise and volunteering time.
Newhouse said: "I was totally shocked when the speech started and I realised it was dedicated to me. When I received the award I was honoured but I can't take all the credit for all the work. Without the rest of the team doing their fundraising, we would not have achieved what we did. I am now looking forward to another great year of fundraising for Sodexo and STOP Hunger."
Thomas Jelley, Sodexo corporate citizenship manager, added: "Every year, hundreds of Sodexo employees lend their time, imagination and commitment to the STOP Hunger campaign, and we like to recognise this through our Merit Award. "Margo stepped in at a time when her part of the business was struggling to raise funds but, thanks to her commitment, energy and leadership, it succeeded in raising 222% of the original fundraising target – what an impressive achievement!."