Story added: 3rd April 2019

We put the spotlight on Credo Asset Finance and their incredible fundraising efforts

In the build up to Community Day, we profile one company who have made it their goal to support the Norwich City Community Sports Foundation (CSF) this year.

When Credo Asset Finance chose Community Sports Foundation as their “Charity of the Year”, they can’t have foreseen that one year down the line their commitment to fundraise would see them embarking on an epic road-trip across Europe.

But this October, they’ll be leading a convoy of cars from Norwich to Milan, as part of their ‘Credo Canaryball Rally’, all to raise funds for the Foundation.

While Credo had raised considerable amounts for larger, national charities in the past, this year has been the first time that they’ve really felt united with their fundraising efforts.

Fran Brown from Credo said, “We are a local company who support local businesses, so this year we decided why not support a local charity, too? Many of our employees support the Canaries, and we’re located very close to Carrow Road.”

She continued, “We’ve been invited by the Foundation to their sessions to see first-hand where our money goes. It’s really inspiring to see the difference they make to disadvantaged and disabled people.”

It was after one of these invitations to the launch of The Nest – the Foundation’s new community hub – that Credo decided to go the extra-mile in their fundraising efforts.

“We were utterly captivated with what the Foundation wanted to do with The Nest. Simon Gray, our managing director, felt there and then that our originally pledged £5,000 wasn’t enough.

“Simon had always wanted to combine his love of driving and travel into a challenge, and when we proposed the idea to the Foundation fundraising team they loved it.”

After much consultation and planning, the ‘Credo Canaryball Rally’ was born.

The challenge will see eighteen teams drive from Norwich to Milan this October, stopping at Arnhem and Munich along the way – all stops with some resonance for City fans, as they were the Club’s opponents during the historic 1993/94 UEFA Cup run.

“We’ve had a fantastic response to the event since launching. The teams that have signed up have been as equally passionate as we are, and have been busy selling advertising space on their car.

“It’s going to be an epic adventure, and will hopefully raise tens of thousands of pounds for the Foundation.”

Alongside their Canaryball Rally project, Credo have also taken part in a range of CSF fundraising events already including a Night Golf event, a go-karting endurance race and have seven members of staff signed up for Run Norwich in July.

This Friday, to celebrate the club’s Community Week, staff will be dressing up in yellow and green.

“We’re really proud to be able to support the Community Sports Foundation. The team there are brilliant – they’ll do anything to support you, and are so enthusiastic about the work they do.

“You feel like the money you raise for them really makes a difference.”

Could your business support the Community Sports Foundation? Find out about choosing CSF as your Charity of the Year here.