Our team at Hottinger is raising money for Hand in Hand International.

We have chosen Hand in Hand because we love the way they look at poverty differently, seeing people's potential as grassroots entrepreneurs and giving them the skills and practical tools they need to improve their lives and those of others in their community.

The model works and has seen impressive financial and social returns. This fresh approach to charitable giving has caught our attention, especially as there are parallels with how we assess and make investment decisions for our clients. We are all really excited about this partnership and to be able to contribute to Hand in Hand's valuable work.

We will be working together to try to raise at least five thousand pounds for Hand in Hand. This amount should see over 100 lives changed for the better through the launch of businesses, jobs and training programmes.

Our teams in London and Dublin will be completing a series of activities and challenges, including small-scale office based initiatives such as bake sales, a swear jar and sweepstakes based around the sporting calendar. In October we will complete a 24-hour static cycling challenge in our London office, with the added incentive that the company will contribute for every kilometer we manage to add to the tally!

Hand in Hand works across East Africa and Afghanistan to help people to turn their skills and potential into jobs. They discover a way up and out of poverty. Since 2003, the charity has worked in 14 countries, generating more than 2.8 million jobs. They have supplied more than USD 420 million in loans, trained more than 1.9 million people and helped them run more than 1.8 million businesses.

To find out more, go to www.handinhandinternational.org

From the whole team at Hottinger Group, THANK YOU for reading and for your generosity.

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