KPMG sets sights on £1 million for Alzheimer’s Society

KPMG has raised £482,000 through fundraising events across the country in its first year supporting staff selected charity, Alzheimer's Society - and is targeting reaching at least £1 million by the end of the second year making KPMG the largest supporter of its kind in the history of the Society.

Alison Halsey, lead partner for the relationship at KPMG, said:

'KPMG people have shown sheer determination and enormous enthusiasm in the first year of our partnership with Alzheimer's Society.  We have made real headway reaching almost half a million pounds and with our people's continued support there is all to play for in the coming twelve months.'

People from all of KPMG's 22 UK offices have been involved in supporting the charity programme. Alongside the fundraising events - which have included conquering the 3 Peaks, cycling from London to Paris, and completing the London Marathon - more than 160 KPMG people have volunteered their time, skills and experience directly to Alzheimer's Society, from transforming gardens and painting day centres, to supporting dementia services at a branch, or providing pro bono advice;

Paul Searles, a KPMG volunteer said:

'My background in Financial Management Advisory placed me in an excellent position to help Alzheimer's Society improve annual planning and budgeting processes. I was very keen to take this opportunity to be able to give something back and the society's receptiveness and gratitude has made this a really rewarding experience.'

The largest sum of money raised came through KPMG's 'First Hour Appeal' which allowed KPMG people to donate their first hour of pay in 2009 to Alzheimer's Society. Through this scheme KPMG people donated £43,000.

Neil Hunt, chief executive of Alzheimer's Society, said:

'Alzheimer's Society is delighted that KPMG has raised nearly half a million pounds to help us fight dementia.  Employees across the country have raised funds by baking cakes, wearing blue, climbing Ben Nevis and even rowing the English Channel.  KPMG's support hasn't stopped there: employees have volunteered their time and professional skills to help us. Well done and thank you to everyone who has supported us.  We look forward to another successful twelve months and to reaching the partnership's £1million target.'

Find out more about our KPMG partnership