Rutan & Tucker, LLP’s Post

I have to share this post for two reasons. One is that I am a proud trustee for Humanimal Trust and really believe in One Medicine for humans and animals (watch the video - Noel explains it better). The second is that I know how many will appreciate how ridiculously cute Noel’s cat, Richochet, is! #onemedicine #humanimaltrust

Whilst the type of care required from an unpaid carer differs from one unpaid carer to another, every unpaid carer has the same common difficulties to cope with. Loneliness, tiredness and worry that they're not doing a good enough job. Why? Because often they've had no prior experience of caring. They've had no training on how to care for someone. By picking up additional caring responsibilities for another person they become 'Time poor'. Quite often there are simply not enough hours in the day. This Christmas please consider gifting an unpaid carer with a gift of time by paying for a respite break hour for them. A £20 donation with gift aid will allow an unpaid carer to have 1 hour to themselves. Caring for someone else is the greatest sacrifice one person can give to another. They deserve it 🙏

When I joined Grace & Green in 2022 as Head of Growth, my very first presentation to the Board was about how we took what had been created in Period Dignity and use this to have a much wider impact on both the business and the world of work. How would we make Period Dignity the market leader (with very little money to spend to do so)? I don't have enough space in this post to work through exactly what I set out in that meeting, however it boiled down to: ✌ Understanding the impact we want to have: It's always been about more than supplying products - Education is woven into the threads of Period Dignity. To achieve period dignity we need access to information, availability of products and acceptance within workplace culture - we designed our offering and continue to develop everything we do around these pillars. This was summed up perfectly by a client (John) who said "Grace & Green don't just supply a product, they create a CULTURE". Exactly John. ✌ Remember who we are and why we are doing it: Unsurprisingly, the workplace space has and is becoming more competitive. This is excellent news, as more businesses embrace free period care as a basic right, and especially comforting how many are choosing a more sustainable providers. As now Chief Commercial Officer, it's also mildly stressful (mildly 🙃 ). However, dignity continues to be about more than avoiding getting caught short, it's about embracing inclusivity and supporting our Members to deliver dignity for all, no matter of age, gender identity, or how they experience their period. There's still a long way to go, and we've got SO much more coming here... ✌ Treat every customer like they are absolutely making our day. This is perhaps a small business mindset, or when many of the team have done almost every job in the company. We all remember the THRILL of winning our first big contract, the DELIGHT of walking into a shop and seeing our products on shelf, or randomly walking into the bathroom BEAMING seeing our products. We don't take for granted the fact we get to be in people's everyday. (For me this has never worn off, my heart still skips a little when I process an order, receive a tender award notice, or see a customer talking about us on socials.) Particularly grateful for our team for supporting our phenomenal YOY 120% growth, for challenging, pushing our vision and positioning, and for being excellent. I'm incredibly proud of what we and our members are doing to drive inclusivity, awareness and dignity within their workplaces and educational establishments. I can't wait to see what the next two years can hold. Happy Birthday Period Dignity. x

🧠 **Raising Awareness for Motor Neuron Disease (MND)** 🧠 Motor Neuron Disease (MND) is a progressive neurological condition that impacts the lives of thousands in our community, affecting motor neurons that control voluntary muscles. This debilitating disease leads to muscle weakness, paralysis, and eventually, difficulty in speaking, swallowing, and breathing. The effects of MND ripple through families and communities, creating emotional, physical, and financial challenges. Patients require comprehensive care and support, and caregivers often face immense pressure. Our community's resilience shines through in these trying times, but more awareness and support are crucial. We need to unite in supporting those affected by MND through fundraising, volunteering, and advocating for better healthcare resources. Together, we can drive research efforts towards finding a cure and provide much-needed hope and assistance to families battling this relentless disease. Join us in raising awareness and supporting our community members affected by MND. Every effort counts. 💙 #MND #MotorNeuronDisease #Healthcare #CommunitySupport #HopeForACure #Awareness

Community partners are so critical to advancing our work. Something I have found so inspiring about Birds for Sofia is how personal each donation is and how our donors can know exactly who and what their donation went to and how powerful the impact of their money can be. Here are some cool stats to end the year out: 1. We have helped over 270 kids from Ukraine and across Europe this year! 2. We have helped 8 children and their families resettle to the US from Ukraine to get life-saving treatment. The cost for treatment for these 8 kids in Europe would have been over $16.8 million out of pocket. We have only spent just over $90k here in the US for all 8 kids combined. 3. The mortality rate for these 8 kids is 95% before age 2. But with this treatment, they can live normal, happy, healthy lives. 4. Just in Q4 2023, the medication, equipment, and rehabilitation we have provided in our Aid to Ukraine program has added over 159 years of life to these kids.

All this January I've been challenging myself to walk 15,000 steps a day to raise money to fund vital research, care, and support for people living with MND and their families. I appreciate it’s January, and there are like 12 weeks before pay day, but I'd be so grateful for your support. You can support in two ways: 1. Donate The money really will really help to make a difference, (and help to keep me motivated)… (and/or) 2. Nabbing a couple more minutes of your time reading the rest of this post. Even if you just read the below, spreading the awareness of MND would be enough! So, here’s some science: Motor neurone disease is a rare condition affecting the brain and nerves. It eventually leads to death, but some people live with it for many years. Symptoms include muscle weakness, twitches, slurred speech and difficulty swallowing. The symptoms get worse over time. Why support the MND association? I’ve not been directly impacted by this horrible disease, but my own awareness was raised due to my love for Rugby League. My favourite players back in the day were always the mercurial Rob Burrow and the ever dependable captain, Kevin Sinfield. Rob Burrow, was diagnosed with MND in 2020, and his friend Kev took on some endurance challenges to help his mate out. Their story of friendship, love and care for each other is legend! Anyone who has read Rob’s book “Too many reasons to live” or followed the TV documentaries that have featured his battle with this terrible disease, will know all too well the impact this condition can have on friends and family. Finally…. I’ll leave you with a couple of quotes from Kev and Robs books: “There is this stat that 5,000 people have MND at any one time. But that can blind you to the countless cases there were previously – the thousands who’d already been through it. A lot of the families of those departed people had to sit with the trauma. It wasn’t really known what MND was; some people who contracted it felt shame about their condition. Now, those left behind can express the emotional pain they endured. That’s where Rob has been a shining light for the MND community. He’s given a sense of safety to a lot of people who might previously have locked the doors and closed the curtains” Kevin Sinfield, “The Extra Mile” “MND isn’t incurable, it’s under-funded.” Rob Burrow, “Too many reasons to live”

Update: I’m running because I can. I set goals because I like to smash them. Thank you for the donations so far, I have hit my $300 goal and tracking to hit 50kms half way through May with 20kms under my belt already. So I’m setting new goals. Support me as I smash my fitness & mindset goals in The May 50K to help raise funds to support life-changing research into the prevention, treatment and finding a cure for MS. https://lnkd.in/gyw9N-C2

Forces for Good in action. On Dec 11, HPEFS & HPE coworkers volunteered to sort out donated goods in Salvation Army. I share the following stats penned by one volunteer, Vijai: 7200Kgs of Heartwarming Donation material (50% clothes) sorted out 60 Bins of Thoughtful Segregation, est. tonnage per bin is 120kg 18 Passionate Individuals 3 Hours of Dedicated Service 1 Team HPE - Synergetic Forces for Good in Action We sorted the donated items into 1) pretty used but still usable items which are to be exported 2) pretty newish items which can be sold at 4 of the thrift stores; money raised to be used to support community events. It was a great and enjoyable experience .. #HPEFS #forceforgood

A group of Belizean children express thanks in unison in this video taken last month after receiving donated Flambeau products and toys. Twelve pallets of donated items arrived at a Belize port last month, destined for the non-profit organization, Project Jumpstart Belize. With the donation in-hand, a ceremony was held January 27 to highlight the commencement of disbursing items. Over 4,000 pounds of useful products include art supply containers, storage cases, toys, and other items appropriate for the Belize school children this non-profit benefits. Over 7,300 items were included in the donation, one of the largest ever received by the organization. Duncan Toys Company, which like Flambeau is a member of the Nordic Group of Companies, contributed a significant portion of the donated items. Anyone wanting to assist Project Jumpstart Belize in its efforts to reverse poverty in Belize and help tackle malnutrition, give access to technology, and provide sanitary products and other resources, should please visit https://lnkd.in/erx7Y_Yi.

Urgent Support Needed for BCPF The BCPF is embarking on a vital outreach initiative, and we urgently need your assistance. Our launching of the Victim Empowering clinic, by the Victim Empowerment Group (VEG), in Elandsfontein requires essential printed materials to ensure its effectiveness and reach. We are looking to produce: - Invitations for widespread distribution - Educational VEG signs for awareness - Engaging VEG flyers - Professional VEG business cards - Eye-catching VEG posters These materials are not just promotional tools; they are vital in educating and uniting our community under our cause. We call on our community members, businesses, and anyone who can lend a hand. Every contribution, no matter how small, can make a big difference. If you are able to donate printing services, please contact us. To make a donation, please use the banking details below: Bank: First Rand National Account Name: Bedfordview Precinct Account Number: 5963776684 Branch Code: 252155 Reference: [VEG Clinic + Your Name/Company] Your support can help us turn this plan into a reality. Together, we can make a significant impact in our community. Let's show what we can achieve when we come together for a common goal.