LEADING DIGITAL SALES COMPANY EXELA CHOOSES ITS CHARITY FOR 2023 – CHELTENHAM OPEN DOOR

EXELA, one of Cheltenham’s leading digital sales companies, has pledged to raise £3,000 for Cheltenham Open Door over the next 12 months.

The team of five based at Cheltenham Film Studios in Hatherley Lane, Cheltenham, have chosen the charity because it supports people in the town who are homeless or vulnerably housed. The charity provides a food bank, and essential supplies to its guests from its premises in Grosvenor Street. They will be helping more people than ever this Christmas and beyond. 

David Holland, CEO said: “It’s easy to think in a town like Cheltenham that it’s affluent and there is very little need – however that’s never been the case. There are always those in need and that need is now greater than ever. 

“I personally support this charity because it only takes a little bad luck or a negative life event for someone to find themselves on the streets or sleeping on someone’s sofa.”

Already the team have arranged to have a collection ‘bin’ at Cheltenham Film Studios and are encouraging their neighbouring businesses to make donations of food and other essential items. 

Sarah White, fundraising officer for the charity, said: “We provide a warm, safe space, whilst aiming to alleviate poverty, hardships, and social and emotional distress, where everyone is treated with respect. We welcome vulnerable adult guests from all backgrounds and situations – no referrals needed, and no questions asked.”

Demand for the organisation’s services have tripled over the last year, their costs have risen by 1000 per cent due to having to move premises and donations of food and cash have fallen - due to the cost of living crisis. 

"The need to give a little back is more important than ever,” David Holland said. “This organisation is helping around 120 people a week, up from just 40 a year ago. Food parcels being given out have risen from 30 to 80 every week at a time when the organisation’s costs have risen dramatically.”

Exela will be leaving donation boxes at the film studio’s reception area during 2023 to provide support throughout the year. Yet this will not be the only activity the Exela team will undertake to raise funds. They will include: (some suggestions)

• Asking course attendees who visit their premises to make a small donation across the year.
• Their marketing manager Sarah Cross will be running a half marathon to support the charity. 
• The team will run an online auction during the year where people can bid for a package of support from Exela in return for a donation to the charity. This package will have a value of a minimu of £1,000.
• The team will also donate their time to visit the centre and talk to guests to really understand their challenges in 2023. 

Exela is a specialist digital sales consultancy which supports business owners to use smart tech to generate leads and sales through a consistent and ethical business development strategy. For more information visit https://exela.co.uk