Smarter Giving Round-Up

Our Smarter Giving programme builds connections between businesses and charities, community groups and schools, facilitating activities and donations to support families, young people and members of the local community. Here is a round-up of all the activities that took place over the summer, from July to September:  

Donations 

Over the summer months, an incredible 550 items were donated by businesses in the area. During the July heatwave, Colliers, British Land, Overbury and BDO provided water bottles and sunscreen to the Marylebone Project, helping the homeless women supported at the centre to stay safe in extreme temperatures. Attestor contributed bamboo plates and bowls to Home-Start Westminster, while Nobu London Portman Square generously donated five bags of clothing to the Marylebone Project and an additional bag of children’s clothing to Home-Start Westminster. Pandora brought joy to young people at the North Paddington Youth Club with the donation of a Nintendo Switch. 

Support also extended to our charity partners through hospitality and events. Colliers hosted the Central London Samaritans’ Summer Party at their offices, while Holmes Hotel welcomed the team for a Pre-Pride Brunch. Both The Landmark London and Nobu London Portman Square treated staff at the Marylebone Project to a well-deserved afternoon tea. In September, our clothes drive saw around 40 bags of donations collected for The Passage and the Marylebone Project, with contributions from BNP Paribas, Aspect Capital, 10 Portman Square, 55 Baker Street, 95 Wigmore Street, 7 Seymour Street, Holmes Hotel, and Pure Gym. 

Financial Donations 

Between July and September, total financial contributions exceeded £14,700, directly supporting local charities and community groups. Aspect Capital donated £500 to the Marylebone Project to help fund water bottles and sunscreen during the summer heatwave, while Euronet contributed £200 to the King Solomon Academy Summer Fair. A significant highlight came from Forsters, who raised over £14,000 for the Marylebone Project through their fundraising efforts. In addition, a pop-up vendor at 95 Wigmore Street donated 10% of their sales to the Central London Samaritans. 

Volunteering 

Teams at local businesses dedicated approximately 370 hours of volunteering this quarter, giving time and energy to projects across Westminster. Knight Frank supported The Feathers Association by replanting their rooftop garden and clearing multipurpose space, while Colliers and UBP hosted summer picnics for families supported by Home-Start Westminster. Throughout the school holidays, teams from Colliers and UBP helped brighten Marylebone Boys School, repainting corridors, stairwells, and the sports hall. Euronet volunteers assisted at King Solomon Academy’s Summer Fair, and Colliers also ran a fun Quiz and Ice Cream Afternoon at the Penfold Community Hub, fostering connection and community spirit. 

Education and Employment 

A range of initiatives this quarter helped young people explore career pathways and develop valuable skills. Holmes Hotel delivered an insightful careers session for Year 10 students at King Solomon Academy, while Durrants Hotel and the Catering Lead at Colliers supported the St Marylebone CE School ‘Restaurant Challenge’ for Year 9 students. Derwent London hosted two students from St Marylebone CE School for work experience, and Graham Capital welcomed a young person for a summer placement. Forsters launched their new ‘Aspire’ Work Experience Programme, providing seven young people with professional experience, and HSBC ran a financial education session for participants of Westminster City Lions, empowering them with practical money management skills. 

You can find out more about our Smarter Giving initiative here or for more information, contact our Community Impact Manager, Hannah.