Sift UK - www.sift.com

Sift is a technology company and leading publisher in online business communities. Established in 1996 and based in Bristol, Sift employs 90 full time staff. ****

The Relationship

Sift actively supports employees involved in fundraising activities, ... but like many businesses trying to do their bit for a charitable cause, Sift had no real idea who was benefitting from its efforts.

Sift was introduced to Temwa in 2008, since then the company's involvement has grown from strength to strength. Sift employees very quickly developed an affinity with Temwa as a cause they could reach out and touch, and were inspired through hearing about the specific projects they were helping to support. The staff started developing their own fundraising strategies....and the overall impact not only greatly enriched the lives of the people of Usisya but also the lives of the Sift employees. Being a part of Temwa has brought Sift employees and departments together, contributed towards team building activities whist improving peoples fitness/self esteem and given Sift staff an amazing sense of achievement from supporting such a fantastic cause.

How they went about it...

Sift/Temwa - activities to date
• Bath Half Marathon 2008
• Bristol 10k Business Challenge 2008
• New York Marathon 2008
• Bristol 10k 2009
• Art for Africa Event - 2008 & 2009
• Bristol to Devizes 80 Mile Bike Ride 2009

Ben Heald - CEO Sift

‘Sift has been working with TEMWA for some time now, with a number of us in the office raising money for them. I think one of the things that attracts us is that TEMWA is a local Bristol charity that we can identify with; whilst on the other hand clearly making a big impact in Malawi - and at both ends doing so with a sense of passion, fun and commitment. Personally, I have a significant connection with Malawi having met my wife there 23 years ago; and we went on to give our daughter a Malawian name (from my wife's time teaching there). My individual turn came last November when I raised money through my New York marathon run. Although I don't believe in mandating that all Sift's charitable efforts should be for a single charity, as an organisation, TEMWA is fast-becoming Sift's charity of choice. The Heald family recently went to Malawi on holiday and thoroughly enjoyed visiting Temwa's projects; and I'm hoping that Sift can go on to support TEMWA for many years to come'

Sift Employee Testimonial

‘To complete the 80 mile bike ride was a real achievement - especially as it was pouring with rain for most of the way back from Devizes. The best thing about it for me though was spending some time with colleagues that I didn't know too well before the ride, it was great getting to know each other and completing the challenge together helped us form a great team spirit'

In total Sift has raised over £10,000 in the past 2 years, this money is helping to support the following projects:
• HIV and AIDS Educational Projects
• Protecting The Next Generation' Film Project
• School Support Projects
• HIV Positive Support Groups
• Agricultural Training Centre
• Usisya Community Library

To find out more about the projects visit our projects page

The Business Benefits

As a Corporate Friend of Temwa you receive a range of benefits that demonstrate to your customers and staff your company's commitment to social responsibility...
• A branded page on the Corporate Friends of Temwa pages
• A TEMWA button to use on your own website to highlight your support
• Brand visibility in our quarterly newsletter and at our fundraising events
• TEMWA sponsorship for your employees in high profile fundraising events to promote team building and celebrate your commitment to social responsibility
• An invitation to the twice yearly corporate friends of TEMWA evenings: the chance to have fun and network with other like-minded companies in the region
• Soon to feature RSS feeds & Twitter reports live from the projects

Temwa the future.....How you can get involved

Corporate Friends of Temwa
Would your business like to enhance its image as a socially responsible company, motivate staff through team building or simply improve employee fitness whilst supporting a worthy cause? If so, please contact the CFT Team:

The CFT Team
• Nick McKenna
• Catherine Evans
• Tom Dunkerley

Contact us
tel: 0780 7839594
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