Supporters fundraising stories
HELLA’s Tractor Run story
Having been involved with the Banbury Christmas Tractor Run over the years, HELLA’s Managing Director, Neil Grant, reflects on what it means to the company to be a part of this festive event.
Name: Neil Grant
Event: Banbury Christmas Tractor Run
Venue: Around Banbury and the villages of north Oxfordshire
What inspired HELLA to sponsor the Katharine House Hospice tractor in the Banbury Christmas Tractor Run?
HELLA are a global manufacturer of vehicle lighting (including for tractors). To have something relevant to our product range that gives us the opportunity to give the brand more local visibility and to support such a fantastic cause was a no brainer.
Why is supporting Katharine House Hospice important to you and your team?
HELLA has been in the Banbury area for the majority of its 67 year history and, for a time, employed several hundred people at its Banbury manufacturing site. There will be employees past and present who have had loved ones needing the services of the hospice and therefore to be able to support such a vital part of the local community is extremely important to us.
“HELLA Limited are incredibly proud to support Katharine House Hospice because it is at the heart of our community. The compassion, dignity and comfort it brings to patients and families during life’s most challenging moments is truly inspiring. As a local business, our commitment extends beyond commerce to the wellbeing of the community. We are honoured to play a small part in ensuring that care and support continues to be given locally to those who need it need most.” – Neil Grant, Managing Director, HELLA
How have you and your colleagues got involved and are there any highlights or memorable moments?
We have had several colleagues looking at lighting designs for the tractor, trying to bring Carley’s vision to life. Not an easy task (without being able to permanently fix the lighting to the vehicle) but they have put in a lot of work to come up with some good solutions.
We have also supported with the lighting for the fundraising TWE lorry that follows the tractors to ensure the donation details can be clearly seen. It’s always a great moment when the experts in our team have completed the design and we get to see the result for the first time!
What does it mean for HELLA to be part of such a well-loved community event?
Many of our team and their families go and watch the tractor run and to see the support it gets is incredible. To know HELLA is a part of that success is a great feeling.
What impact do you hope your support will have for patients and families cared for by Katharine House Hospice?
Knowing we contribute in a small way towards the hospice being able to give comfort and dignity to patients and help ease the pain (even a little) for families.
Get involved
Inspired by Neil’s story? You and your business can also support the Banbury Christmas Tractor Run and raise vital funds for Katharine House Hospice. To learn more about how you can get involved, contact the team at [email protected].
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