Konica Minolta helps with Candlelighters Christmas Party

On Sunday, December 3, members of Candlelighters, Konica Minolta, and other volunteers worked together to give children and their families a memorable day, dressing as Champ (the Candlelighters official mascot) as well as characters from Star Wars, SpongeBob, Olaf from Frozen and Lego Superman, and joining them for activities that included face painting, a disco and presents for everyone.

Rob Isherwood, the customer success manager at Konica Minolta Business Solutions, one of the volunteers, commented: ‘It was a truly magical day, and the smiles it brought to the children will live with me for the rest of my life.’

Elise Simpson, volunteering and executive administrator at Candlelighters, added: ‘Everyone had such positive things to say about the team from Konica Minolta and the efforts they went to to make the day a memorable celebration for everyone involved.’

Konica Minolta’s 600 UK employees are encouraged to dedicate one workday each year to volunteering. However, many, such as Isherwood, have chosen to go further, as he continues to fundraise for Candlelighters through his weight loss challenge. Similarly, Marie Woodhead, partner marketing manager, hosted a Strawberry Tea, raising together over GBP 3,500.

A further 150 toys will be added to Candlelighters Christmas boxes to be shared with the children. These gifts were donated by Konica Minolta and its employees (through the company’s Toy Drive initiative). A further 150 gifts are also being shared with Dynamic, a center for children and young people with disabilities in Wrexham. 

Gillian Anderson, environment, social and governance partner at Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK), said: ‘It is inspiring to see the positive impact our charity involvement is having, whether through volunteering or supporting our initiatives such as the Toy Drive. Throughout 2024, we look forward to getting even more active, particularly in supporting our chosen charities with fundraising activities.

‘We would like to thank everyone at Candlelighters for making it so easy and accessible for our team to get involved in this joyous occasion. They are full of enthusiasm for how they can do things even bigger and better next year.’