ROLLS-ROYCE FAMILY CHOOSES CHESTNUT TREE HOUSE AS 2021 HOUSE CHARITY

• Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice named House Charity for 2021 by colleagues at the Home of Rolls-Royce, Goodwood
• All staff invited to submit nominations, then take part in company-wide vote on shortlisted candidates
• House Charity benefits from a range of fundraising activities throughout the year
• Company bids farewell to 2020 House Charity, with Rolls-Royce staff raising over £11,000 for Families of Ocean Ward

" The announcement of our House Charity is an important and highly anticipated moment in the life of everyone at the Home of Rolls-Royce. From nominations and shortlisting to the final ballot, it's a true family affair in which everyone has an equal stake and takes a genuine personal interest. It really brings us together and shows the very best of who we are.

"We've supported a new House Charity every year since we opened our doors in 2003. In that time, our people have raised enormous sums for local causes, and forged deep relationships that last long after the 12-month partnership has ended. It's a privilege to support such amazing people doing extraordinary work, and make a real difference in our community. We're very much looking forward to working with Chestnut Tree House over the coming year."

Andrew Ball, Head of Corporate Relations, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is delighted to announce that its new House Charity for 2021 is Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice. The charity was chosen through a company-wide nomination process, and will benefit from a range of fundraising initiatives organised by colleagues at the Home of Rolls-Royce, Goodwood, throughout the year.

Chestnut Tree House is the children’s hospice for East Sussex, West Sussex, Brighton and Hove and South East Hampshire. It provides specialist palliative care, support, quality time and, most importantly, fun for children and young adults with life-shortening conditions who are not expected to reach adulthood. The charity works with 300 children aged from 0-19 and their families at its hospice in Arundel, just a short distance from the Home of Rolls-Royce, and in their own homes.

Alison Taylor, Corporate Fundraising Manager, Chestnut Tree House, said, “The last year has been difficult for everyone, and extremely hard for Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice, as we rely on fundraising to continue being able to provide vital care services for local children who need hospice care and their families. We’re so grateful that Rolls-Royce have chosen to support Chestnut Tree House and are really excited to see what this partnership will bring. Every penny raised will help us to continue supporting children and families across East and West Sussex and South East Hampshire. But it goes beyond financial support, as being linked to a business like Rolls-Royce helps to raise awareness of the work the hospice does, and show how we are very much part of the local community.’’

This is the second time that Rolls-Royce colleagues have voted for Chestnut Tree House as their House Charity. In 2012, they raised one of their largest-ever totals through numerous events and activities, as well as voluntary work. The hospice entrance is still graced with a Bespoke chestnut-wood sign handmade by Rolls-Royce craftspeople.

Throughout 2020, Rolls-Royce colleagues raised over £11,000 for Families of Ocean Ward, a parent-led charity supporting children with heart conditions and their families who have been or are being treated on Ocean Ward at Southampton General Hospital.

Sam Prior, Chairperson and Trustee, Families of Ocean Ward, said, "It’s incredible that in such challenging circumstances with COVID and lockdowns, Rolls-Royce staff remained committed to supporting our charity. With all the usual big fundraising events cancelled, our income for 2020 was significantly reduced, so this donation is amazing. Such a significant sum allows us to consider funding a major specific project, as well as supporting our day-to-day work with children and families. Many, many thanks from everyone at Families of Ocean Ward."