The Surrey-based charity, the Peter Harrison Foundation, is celebrating its 20th Anniversary in 2019.
Founded by successful entrepreneur and philanthropist, Peter Harrison KGCN CBE, the Peter Harrison Foundation and the Peter Harrison Heritage Foundation, a second grant-giving charity set up in 2012, have collectively made 1,337 charitable grants totalling £51.2 million.
To mark this significant milestone in the Peter Harrison Foundation’s history, Peter Harrison and his fellow trustees hosted a commemorative event at the Old Reigatian Rugby Football Club on 21 November 2019. Peter Harrison is a former rugby player and played for Old Reigatians until he was in his fifties. Their new clubhouse was jointly funded by the Peter Harrison Foundation and the National Sports Fund with Sport England.
The celebratory reception at Old Reigation Rugby Club was attended by many supporters of the Foundation. Guests included the Lord Lieutenant of Surrey, Mr Michael More-Molyneux, Mrs Bridget Biddell, High Sheriff of Surrey, Councillor Keith Foreman, Mayor of Reigate and Banstead and Tony Samuels, Chairman of Surrey County Council.
Some of the Surrey charities that have benefited from grants bestowed by the Foundation include The Children’s Trust in Tadworth, Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation for Disabled People in Leatherhead and the Community Foundation for Surrey.
Speaking at the event, Peter Harrison KGCN CBE, said:
“It has been a great pleasure for myself and my fellow trustees to share some of our success with others less fortunate than ourselves and to give something back to the community for the good of all of the beneficiaries, which must total many thousands over the last 20 years. We only make grants from the income of the Peter Harrison Foundation, which means that with continuing good investment, and hopefully with a bit of luck, we shall maintain the capital of the Peter Harrison Foundation and continue with our grantmaking for the next 20 or even 100 years ahead.”
The Peter Harrison Foundation is committed to three broad areas of need. These are opportunities for self-development and fulfilment through sport, particularly sport for disadvantaged people and people with a disability, care of children and young people with special needs, and education with a particular interest in supporting Harrison Scholarships and capital development at Reigate Grammar School.