As we’re celebrating 25 years of Open Contracts in 2026, our team continues to mark this milestone in a way that reflects who we are – collaborative, caring, and focused on making a positive impact.
Throughout the year, we’re working towards a shared goal: raising £25,000 for charities and organisations that make a real difference.
This blog is where we keep you updated on our fundraising and volunteering journey, celebrate the amazing efforts across the team, and introduce the people stepping up for causes close to their hearts.
We’re delighted to share that our first three activities are now complete and we have already managed to reach £5,000!
Les and his partner Bridget kicked things off with a month-long Dry January, raising funds for Samaritans, the charity that offers emotional support to anyone struggling to cope or experiencing crisis.
By taking on this challenge, Les and Bridget helped shine a light on the importance of mental health and the power of simply being there for someone who needs to be heard. A brilliant start to our year of giving and between them they raised an impressive £3,800.
Carlos spent a volunteer day supporting Cancer Research UK, helping out in his local Cancer Research UK charity shop and enjoying the experience even more than he expected to!
His hands-on contribution helps Cancer Research UK continue working towards a world where everybody lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer. A fantastic example of how the gift of time can make a real impact.
Gabriela made an incredibly personal contribution by donating her hair to The Little Princess Trust, helping provide wigs – and hope – to children undergoing cancer treatment.
With each wig costing around £700, Gabriela also set up her own fundraising initiative to cover the cost of creating a wig too and she managed to raise £827!
Our Site Manager, Paul Johnstone, volunteered in March with the RSPB Bird and Wildlife Conservation Charity—an organisation dedicated to protecting birds and nature through habitat restoration, species conservation, advocacy, and the management of nature reserves.
Upon arriving at Northward Hill Nature Reserve, Paul and the other volunteers worked their way through the site, clearing and pruning trees to allow more sunlight through—helping create the ideal conditions for birds and bees to begin building their nests.
Given the size of the reserve, Paul described it as one of the most physically demanding things he has ever done, with the team covering almost 52.5 hectares. Despite the challenge, he found it incredibly rewarding and is already planning to return and support the cause again.
Not only did Paul dedicate his time to this important initiative, but he also contributed to Open Contracts’ ambitious goal of raising £25,000 for various charities in celebration of 25 years in business. For every volunteering day, we add £500 to the fundraising pot.
Kathryn is lacing up her running shoes to take on a half marathon in support of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.
Her run will help Battersea continue caring for dogs and cats who need rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming at their centres.
Matt is going one step further by taking on the London Marathon for the Rooprai Spinal Trust. This is Matt’s third marathon and second time raising funds for RST.
The charity provides life-changing support to people living with spinal cord injuries, and Matt’s marathon effort is a huge physical and fundraising challenge in support of this important cause.
To keep momentum high, we’re tracking our journey with our very own Fundraising Thermometer, tracking our progress towards our £25,000 goal.
Alongside money raised through donations, each Volunteer Day adds a notional £500, reflecting the value of our people’s time, skills and commitment.
For Open Contracts, this isn’t just about hitting a number. It’s about coming together as a team, supporting causes that matter, and celebrating 25 years with purpose and care.
With more events, challenges and volunteer days ahead, we’re excited to keep building on this amazing start.
Together, we’re making 2026 a year to remember – making a real difference, one step, run, haircut and volunteer day at a time!
If you’re enjoying this blog, be sure to explore our other pages for even more insights and inspiration. There’s plenty more to discover!
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