Sir James Reckitts Charity 100th Anniversary

Representatives from Sight Support Hull & East Yorkshire were delighted to join the festivities as the Sir James Reckitt Charity celebrated its recent centenary at an event held in Reckitt’s £105m Innovation Centre in Hull.

Founded by Hull industrialist Sir James Reckitt, the charity in his name has donated more than £30m to local good causes and Quaker charities across the city and East Yorkshire over the last century. In recent times, it has granted over £1m each year to individuals and organisations and the decision to increase donations is a welcome move as the cost-of-living crisis continues.

The charity’s donations are part of the huge legacy created by Sir James which includes the family business started in a humble starch mill in Hull in 1840. Today Reckitt is a world-leading health, hygiene and nutrition group employing more than 40,000 people in over 60 countries across the globe.

Sir James, who was the youngest son of Reckitt founder Isaac Reckitt and his wife Ann, joined the family starch business in Hull in 1845 as a junior clerk. In 1864, he and his brother Francis became sole partners of the Reckitt company and the business flourished under their leadership.

Sarah Craven is the charity’s current chairman and is the great great granddaughter of Sir James. The charity is marking its 100th anniversary by launching a special centenary fund to double its normal donations during the coming year.

Sight Support HEY has been extremely fortunate to have benefitted from the charity’s support since it was established in May 1921.

Sight Support’s Chief Executive, Sandra Ackroyd said “Sir James had an enormous impact on Hull and the charity carrying his name ensures his legacy is still very visible in the city today.”

“Sight Support’s aim is to ensure that no one in Hull or East Yorkshire has to face sight loss alone. The generous support we receive from the Sir James Reckitt Charity helps us to do this.”

For more information on The Sir James Reckitt Charity visit www.thesirjamesreckittcharity.org.uk