Birmingham Insurance Institute’s incoming president for 2018, Ra’chael McNamara, has chosen Birmingham charity Father Hudson’s Care as her Charity of the Year for 2018–2019.
It’s a cause that’s close to her heart because it’s local and works with people in need right across Birmingham and surrounding areas.
It’s also close to home. Her brother Paul works for Father Hudson’s Care’s Fostering Agency, New Routes.
The partnership will raise awareness of the difference the charity makes to local people in the West Midlands and raise important funds for its vital work.
The Birmingham Insurance Institute brings together the entire insurance industry in the West Midlands.
With almost 6,000 members, it is the second largest group outside London and operates as a learning and support hub for insurance professionals.
Father Hudson’s Care transforms lives by supporting 3,500 people in their time of need every year with the help of almost 300 volunteers. The charity offers adult care, fostering, post-adoption support and help for families, young people and children experiencing difficulties via schools.
It works throughout the region to support at-risk women and families, vulnerable migrants and people experiencing marginalisation, exclusion, homelessness, destitution and isolation, and supporting people to recover from trauma, violence and crimes.
Father Hudson’s Care’s CEO, Andy Quinn, said: “We are delighted to have been chosen by the President of the Birmingham Insurance Institute as her Charity of the Year.
"It meant a great deal to us that she visited our Day Service for adults who have profound disabilities and spent time with some of those who attend. We like our supporters to witness the work we do.
Ra’chael McNamara said: “I chose Father Hudson's Care for many reasons, some close to my heart following illnesses within the family with associated short-term complex care needs, and others due to the wide-ranging support services offered and the obvious need for charity support.
"Recently, I spent time visiting Father Hudson’s to see first hand the amazing staff without whom these services are not possible.
"My eyes were opened wide at the commitment and care of everyone, from the dementia care to the complex care needs of people with disabilities. It really does put your own life into perspective and is very humbling at the same time.
The partnership will last 12 months, with regular fundraising events across the year and President Ra’chael McNamara undertaking a special challenge in June 2019.