PricewaterhouseCoopers Helps Foster Children by Donating to Eckerd Connects’ Raising Hope

In an effort to give back to the community, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in Tampa selected Eckerd Connects’ Raising Hope—a program that collects clothing, hygiene products, and school supplies for foster children—as the recipient of its $5,000 Holiday Grant.

PwC encouraged employees to submit proposals for local charities and nonprofits they would like the company to support.  In 2017, the company selected employee Liz Sutherland’s proposal: to support foster children without clothes, shoes, and other basic necessities. Liz, a former foster child, is dedicated to advocating on behalf of foster children.

“I chose Eckerd Connects’ Raising Hope because I am passionate about those kids who are overlooked,” says Liz, Business Services Senior Associate. “I am always thinking of those kids who are aging out of the system and have nowhere to go. With PwC’s support, I am able to make an even greater impact.”

PricewaterhouseCoopers has been supporting Raising Hope for the past three years.  Nationwide, Eckerd Connects’ Raising Hope program assists 300 foster children each month.

“Our firm embraces employees bringing their whole selves to work,” Danna Spenceley, HR SSC Operations Leader. “It creates happier employees and positions us to be more successful. At PwC we are like family. And we have always been moved by Liz’s story.”

Liz was removed from an abusive home at age 13 and separated from her siblings. She was reunited with both her sister and brother nearly a decade later in two separate twists of fate, and now she spends time raising awareness for children in the foster care system.

“I don’t have a family. This is my family. I want to change the perception people have of foster kids. They are lovable and they are capable. Without the support of others, I never would have imagined I would be here, but here I am. And I want to pay that forward.”