Orange has supported Sense for the last 2½ years and together we have raised over £470,000. This is a tremendous amount which has meant so much to Sense and everyone that benefits from the services we provide.
Sense has worked closely with the Orange Corporate Responsibility team to build a strong partnership that benefits both Orange and Sense. Partnership activity has included: commercial activity, employee fundraising, payroll giving and share donations, sponsorship and of course, mobile phone recycling. The partnership has involved Orange staff regardless of location or responsibility.
In February 2008, 45 people willingly hurled themselves out of planes from 10,000ft. The idea seemed fitting considering 2008 is a ‘leap year’. The event known as The Big Jump took place at airfields across the country and raised more than £10,000. Orange employees also succeededin another physical challenge known as Tour D’Orange, 80 staff members cycled through France, the event raised in excess of £100,000.
Both Orange and Sense took advantage of the successful ‘togetherness campaign.’ The campaign symbol, of two embracing bubble-people is pictured. These figures were used in TV and press advertising to communicate the Orange broadband service. Some members of the public went to great lengths to obtain a ‘togetherness’ figure, some selling on eBay. Orange produced 100,000 of the figures and distributed these to stores across the UK whereby members of the public could indulge in this craze in exchange for a donation to Sense.
Both brands also came together when Orange sponsored an exhibition of artwork by deafblind artists that use our Sense services. The Orange team provided excellent support, not only sponsoring the event and brochure, but by attending the opening launch and bidding for one of the beautiful pieces on display!
Our partnership with Orange has now come to an end. Sense has acknowledged the partnership through a number of ways; board members have attended a lunch in the presence of our Patron, HRH, The Princess Royal,individuals have received letters of thanks and certificates and everyone has enjoyed national, regional and trade press coverage.
Thank you to everyone at Orange who has support Sense and made this partnership a success. So, what are the impacts of Orange’s support? Orange has supported our outreach workers across the UK; the funds raised are almost equal to the cost of running this service for a year. Our experts meet directly with deafblind children and adults; they assess the needs of these individuals in a holistic way and work together with them and their families to ensure their life is enriched with opportunities and choices. Breaking down isolation – by reaching out to deafblind people and their families – is one of the most important things Sense does. Last year our outreach team offered vital support and information to 348 people.
