Smarter Giving Round-up

Our Smarter Giving programme continues to build valuable partnerships between businesses and local charities and community groups in the area. The initiative aims to support businesses with their ESG ambitions and to build a connection with the local community while charities benefit from the donations of time, expertise and funding.

Building on their partnership that was formed through Smarter Giving last year, the pupils at Wetherby School are inviting residents and users of the Penfold Community Hub to attend this year’s Christmas production, and also organising transport to make it as easy as possible for them to attend. The relationship between Penfold Community Hub and Wetherby School has flourished since they were introduced with recent activities including a tea party. The Penfold Community Hub provides stimulating and accessible activities, including exercise classes and a range of social events, to people over 50 and carers, as well as advice and counselling services, to help them remain healthy, independent and active in the local community.

Our call for financial donations towards the Marylebone Project’s gardening initiative was very successful, with donations received from our members Knight Frank and UST Global, ensuring that the project will be able to continue until at least February next year. The Marylebone Project supports homeless and vulnerable women, providing a safe environment in which to rebuild their lives.

In addition to this, Smarter Giving has facilitated financial contributions generously donated by local businesses. Portman Square-based Ardagh Group is contributing $20k (c£17,500) to The Marylebone Project, while Cromwell Property Group in Seymour Street has chosen to make a charity donation to two local organisations, Homestart Westminster & North Paddington Foodbank, each receiving £1,250.

Visit our Smarter Giving pages for more information on how to get involved.

Christmas appeals

Following on from our article last week, highlighting the opportunity to donate food hampers for families in need, we are also looking for businesses to donate toys for our annual toy drive.

Each year, with the support of our local business members, we provide around 300 toys to charity nurseries in the nearby Church Ward area, just north of Marylebone station. This ensures that all children, many of whom are living in poverty or with families on very low incomes, receive a gift at Christmas. If your business is interested in taking part in this year’s toy drive, please get in touch with our Smarter Giving Manager, Kate Heslegrave, at [email protected].