15 September

Supporter Stories: Coming Together for City Giving Day

This City Giving Day, organisations across the City are using the one-day event as a platform to bring colleagues together, raise awareness of their chosen causes and make a meaningful difference. From helping to close the literacy gap to tackling food waste, here are two inspiring supporter stories... 

Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation UK

In the spirit of collaboration and collective impact, the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation UK (IICF) has invited its corporate partners across the insurance industry to celebrate City Giving Day by supporting the Children’s Book Project, a future The Lord Mayor’s Appeal grant recipient.

Throughout September, employees are taking part in book drives at their offices, with teams also volunteering at the Children’s Book Project’s warehouse in West London on 23 September. Volunteers will sort, quality-check and pack books into the charity’s bright yellow boxes, ready to begin new adventures with children across the UK.

Wendy Wilder, Executive Director at Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation UK says; 

"We chose this to align to our 2026 Creating Better Futures Campaign, focused on closing the literacy gap. To-date five companies in insurance are hosting a book drive and 15 people have signed up to volunteer on the 23rd."  

Howden Group

Meanwhile, Howden is bringing colleagues together to a Felix Feast — a delicious fundraising event supporting its charity partner, Felix.

Hosted on Howden’s 15th floor alongside its Multiculturalism Employee Resource Group, the event will celebrate food from around the world while shining a light on the importance of tackling food waste.

Colleagues will be invited to enjoy and purchase a selection of treats made using surplus ingredients, including creations such as diplomat pudding. The event will also offer colleagues the chance to learn more about food waste and surplus food, discover how Howden is supporting Felix, and connect with one another while raising money for a great cause.

By combining great food, cultural celebration and fundraising, Howden is creating a brilliant opportunity for colleagues to make a positive difference.

Lizzie Southorn from Howden Group says;

“We are proud to take part in City Giving Day, bringing people across the City together to do good and celebrating the Lady Mayor, the Alderwoman for the ward Howden calls home.”

Janus Henderson Investors

For Janus Henderson Investors, City Giving Day is an opportunity to bring its values to life by creating meaningful connections between colleagues and young people in the local community.

This year, the firm is partnering with Greenhouse Sports to host a table tennis tournament, bringing employees and young people together through the power of sport. The activity has been chosen for its inclusive and engaging nature, creating opportunities for participants to connect, build relationships and learn from one another.

At Janus Henderson Investors, one of the firm’s core values is ‘Together We Win’ — a value that the team believes City Giving Day embodies.

They say; “It’s a fantastic example of what can be achieved when organisations and communities come together behind a shared purpose.”

Thank you to IICF, Howden, Janus Henderson Investors and everyone taking part for demonstrating what City Giving Day is all about: coming together, giving back and creating lasting impact.