07:30, 05 September 2025
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
In a powerful celebration of Reed’s 65th anniversary and the 90th birthday of founder Sir Alec Reed, The Reed Foundation has wrapped up a remarkable year-long charitable initiative, donating £520,000 to 52 charities across the UK.
Every week for a year, £10,000 was gifted to a charity chosen by a Reed employee, a heartfelt gesture that sparked change in communities from Emsworth to Edinburgh. The initiative reflects the company’s deep-rooted commitment to making a difference, not just in recruitment, but in people’s lives.
From funding cutting-edge childhood brain tumour research to supporting end-of-life care, environmental education, and disability services, each donation carries with it a story of resilience, compassion, and hope.
Among the 52 recipients was Samuel’s Promise, a fund dedicated to improving treatment for low-grade brain tumours in children. Nominated by Reed’s Niketa Johnson, the donation honours the memory of Samuel Priestley. Samuel’s father, Keith, said:
“Brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under 40, yet they receive just 3% of research funding. This donation will make a massive difference.”
Another moving nomination came from employee Kayleigh Hersey, who chose The Myton Hospices in gratitude for their care during her father’s final days:
“This money will be life-changing for people and enable the charity to get more staff, provide more support and reach more people in the community.”
Elsewhere, Final Straw Foundation used its donation to continue vital ocean conservation and education work, while Little Miracles in Peterborough will use the funds to support families of children with additional needs and life-limiting conditions.
Founded in 1985, the Reed Foundation has donated more than £22.5 million to charitable causes. Much of this has been channelled through its innovative Big Give platform, the UK’s largest match-funding site, which has helped raise over £280 million for 16,000+ projects since 2008.
Sir Alec Reed, CBE, reflected:
Through the charity raffle, I wanted to share the joy of giving and provide our co-members with a chance to support the causes that mean most to them. I’ve been inspired by the personal stories that shaped these choices.
The full list of supported charities spans vital areas including health, poverty, education, environmental protection, mental health, youth services, animal welfare, and more. View the full list of 52 charities supported here.
As the Reed Foundation closes this chapter, the message is clear: impactful giving doesn’t always start with millions – sometimes, it starts with one nomination, one cause, one story.
And in this case, 52.
