Businesses belonging to the prominent local networking group, Avanti have celebrated raising over £500 just in the month of December for their chosen charity, CLIC Sargent.

The Christmas raffle topped off a full calendar of fundraising events throughout 2015 which included taking part in the 10k Insane Terrain Mud Challenge, Wig Wednesday and a poignant 32.5 miles cycle ride around the Debenham countryside and Ipswich half-marathon.

Co-founder of Avanti Networking, Victoria Sharp said: “Cancer for anyone is awful, but for a child seems so unfair and if our small fundraising helps just little it makes it worthwhile.”

The networking group, which was founded in 2011 as a women-only business lunch now boasts four groups across Suffolk, two for women only and two which are both men and women.

Victoria added: “Fundraising is a very important part of our business and although it was never our intention, it has certainly given our company kudos.”

Thanks to a great deal of support from its members, over the past year Avanti Networking has raised more than £3,000 for children and young people with cancer.

CLIC Sargent fundraising manager Daisy Turner said: “We’re so grateful to all the Avanti members for their passion and commitment to changing the lives of young people with cancer.”

Many Avanti members even go on to fundraise within their own business, on which Victoria said: “Fundraising for CLIC Sargent has strengthened the members relationships with each other and the community – especially when taking part in team fundraising events.

“I would urge other businesses to incorporate fundraising into their strategy: it will gives employees a sense of satisfaction knowing that they have helped an amazing charity and it lets your clients know that you are a company that has a good ethos.”

She added: “If you would like to learn more about a charity partnership with CLIC Sargent, contact Daisy Turner on daisy.turner@clicsargent.org.uk or telephone 01284 829090.”

The next Avanti group meetings are on Wednesday February 10 (ladies) and February 17, (mixed).

Ipswich-based Victoria added: “We are not ladies that lunch,” explained, “We are proper business people. We have a structured agenda and it is a professional and really useful and organised. We have fun at Christmas and other special events are popular.

“We are a professonal business support group, giving people the opportunity to do business.

“We would encourage people to come along and give us a try.”

For more information about Avanti Networking, visit: http://avantinetworking.co.uk/