Finance leaders raise £300,000 for children’s charity Barnardo’s
More than 200 City finance leaders raised almost £300,000 for children's charity Barnardo's to combat issues like sexual exploitation earlier this week.
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Barnardo's chief executive Javed Khan said the money will fund the charity's “specialist frontline services, which help children recover from their experiences, and build bright, positive futures”.
Barnardo's provides services catered towards an estimated 301,100 young people and parents in the areas of child sexual exploitation, mental health and young carers.
In a testament to the organisation's work, children who benefited from Barnardo's services shared their stories.
Trisha, whose real name was not shared, was one of the children who was supported by Barnardo's child sexual exploitation service.
“Before coming to Barnardo's I didn't know what grooming was, I know what happened to me wasn't my fault,” she said.
Trisha said that the ability to “talk to my worker and say things I couldn't say to anyone else” taught her to “what to look out for”.
“I feel more confident and can move on with my life,” she added.
Journalist Natasha Kaplinksy hosted the evening, while Andrew Bailey, chief executive of the Financial Conduct Authority, delivered a keynote.
Kaplinksy said that she was “thrilled” to host the event because “it raised awareness of how important it is for vulnerable children to get the support they need”.
Comedian and impressionist Rory Bremner closed the event with a stand-up set.
The City bigwigs behind the second Banking on Barnardo's included Morgan Stanley veteran William Chalmers, Santander UK boss Nathan Bostock, CYBG chief David Duffy, and deputy RBS boss Alison Rose.
“The work that Barnardo's do is impressive and the issues it addresses are critical,” Chalmers said on behalf of the committee.
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“At the second Banking on Barnardo’s event we are very proud as a committee to be able to support these efforts, underpinned by the tremendous contribution of every firm, organisation and individual attending tonight,” he added.