Smart Works Leeds Raises Record £25,000 Through International Women’s Day Campaign

Sometimes you hear a story that just makes you smile. Well, this is one of them. A local charity has just managed to do something pretty amazing. By pulling together a week of fantastic events, Smart Works Leeds has raised a record-breaking £25,000. That’s a huge amount of money that will go directly towards helping women across Yorkshire get the support they need to get back into employment. It all happened during their International Women’s Day campaign in March 2026, which turned out to be their biggest and most successful fundraising effort ever. This incredible achievement wasn't just down to one thing; it was a perfect mix of inspiring stories, brilliant community fundraising, and smart business engagement that made it all happen.

Image: Her Path, Her Power. L-R Sandra Patel, Francesca Drake and Abigail Lee

So, what does Smart Works Leeds actually do?

Okay, so what’s the big deal about Smart Works? Put simply, it’s a charity that helps women land jobs. But it’s a bit more clever than just that. Think about the last time you had a really important meeting or an interview. You probably spent ages figuring out what to wear and practising what you were going to say, right? It can be stressful, and if you’ve been out of work for a while, it’s even tougher to feel confident. That's where Smart Works Leeds comes in. This brilliant charity offers two key services to help women succeed. First, they provide high-quality, professional clothing for the interview. It’s not just about looking the part; it’s about feeling it. When you know you look good, you stand a bit taller and speak with more self-assurance. Second, and just as important, they offer one-to-one interview coaching. This is where volunteers help women practise their answers, calm their nerves, and show off their skills in the best possible light. It's a complete support package designed to give women the confidence boost they need. And it works. An amazing 67% of the women who use their services get a job within a month. Since being established in 2019, the Leeds centre has helped over 3,000 women, providing vital support that leads to real employment opportunities.

A record-breaking campaign across Yorkshire

Raising £25,000 is no small feat. This was the highest total ever achieved through the annual International Women’s Day campaign for Smart Works Leeds, making it a truly record-breaking success. The week-long series of events took place all across Yorkshire, showing just how much community spirit there is in the region. The campaign was supported by a headline sponsor, the first direct bank arena in Leeds, highlighting the power of business engagement when it comes to charitable work. It wasn't just about big corporate sponsors, though. The campaign's success came from bringing everyone together – from individuals taking on personal challenges to local businesses hosting their own fundraising events. The variety of events ensured there was something for everyone to get involved with, creating a real buzz across the community and workplaces throughout the region. This fantastic fundraising total will now fuel the charity’s life-changing services, allowing the team to offer their unique blend of clothing and coaching to even more women seeking employment.

From daring abseils to fantastic fashion sales

The week was jam-packed with different events, showing some real creativity in the fundraising department. It wasn’t your average bake sale. Supporters could get involved in all sorts of activities, including:

• A breakfast panel held at the First Direct Arena, bringing people together for an inspiring start to the day.

• A special fashion sale at Bradford’s Darley Street Market, offering stylish bargains for a good cause.

• A 'Women’s Wealth and Wellbeing' day hosted at the stunning Grantley Hall, which alone raised an incredible £6,000.

• And for the thrill-seekers, a charity abseil down the iconic Cow and Calf rocks in Ilkley.

That last one was a real showstopper. Imagine sixty brave women leaning back over the edge of a famous Yorkshire landmark, all to raise money for other women. The abseil challenge was one of the standout moments of the campaign. Participants included the 'Primed for Life' group – four high-profile Yorkshire women who champion the wellbeing of women of all ages – and Rachel Woolford, a former winner of BBC's The Apprentice. Cheering them on from the ground was a crowd of supporters, including Coronation Street actress Natalie Anderson. It was a proper community event that summed up the spirit of the entire campaign.

The power of community and what this means for women

At the end of the day, this incredible fundraising effort is all about one thing: helping more women transform their lives. The £25,000 raised will have a massive impact, enabling Smart Works Leeds to continue providing its essential services. The money will fund the expert coaching sessions and help stock the wardrobes with the professional clothing that gives clients so much confidence. As a charity that has been running nationally since 2013, Smart Works has a proven track record, and this campaign ensures the Leeds branch can keep up its fantastic work. This is the kind of good news story that publications like yorkshire.com love to share, as it showcases the very best of the local community. The support from across Yorkshire proves that when people come together for a great cause, they can achieve something truly special.

Tracy Fletcher, the chair of Smart Works Leeds, was thrilled with the result. She said:

“We are absolutely thrilled that our first ever week-long International Women’s Day campaign has raised a record £25,000. The level of support from businesses, partners and individuals across Yorkshire has been incredible and we are so grateful to everyone who took part, donated or helped organise events. These funds will make a real difference, helping us support even more women into employment giving them the confidence, opportunity and access to support that can transform their lives. Thanks to the generosity of the Yorkshire community, many more women will now receive the coaching, clothing and encouragement they need to succeed in their careers."