Smarter Giving Round-Up

It’s been a packed few months for our Smarter Giving programme that works to build partnerships between businesses and their staff with local community groups, schools and charities. Here are just some of the ways that our members have been supporting those in need, through volunteering, skills sharing, donations and work experience…

Donations

Our local charities and community groups are always on the lookout for unwanted equipment and furniture that might be going spare. Donations over the last few months have included LCP gifting mugs to Paddington Development Trust; Attestor Limited donated an office shredder to Portman Early Childhood Centre; Holmes Hotel gave two large soft toy dogs to families at Home-Start Westminster, and Oliver Wyman donated a wide range of office furniture and equipment to a local primary school and Paddington Development Trust.

Skill-Sharing

Whether you’re an expert in IT, marketing, finance or something else, your skills can be of great benefit to local charities and groups, as well as offer insight to your business for students and those seeking employment.

The marketing team at BDO hosted a ‘Get To Know Our Industry’ session for a group of students from Marylebone Boys School. The session involved the students visiting their offices on Baker Street, learning about the company and the marketing industry. Two Film students from the University of Westminster filmed at a St Marylebone Parish Church celebration event. The students then edited the footage to make a short film for the church. And, HSBC has partnered with a local primary school and is holding ongoing financial education lessons to students across the school.

Volunteering

We receive regular requests for volunteers, both in an ongoing individual capacity as well as one-off team activities. Last month, a team from Selfridges held a Post Coronation Afternoon Tea Party at Penfold Community Hub. The residents and day centre users enjoyed an afternoon of singing, cake and tea, sensory experiences (including hand massages) and gift bags were handed out to those who attended. Staff at Selfridges have also been taking turns in regular volunteering at St Mary’s Social Supermarket on a Wednesday morning, helping set out food and essentials and handing items out to those using the supermarket.

A team from Knight Frank took part in a collaborative volunteering day at Feathers Marylebone Youth Club’s roof garden. With the help of a garden landscaping company, they replanted flowers, vegetables, and herbs to create an impactful space for the young people and the local community who visit the club. Similarly, groups of employees from both Home House and LCP volunteered their time helping to maintain the garden at Penfold Community Hub.

Supporting Employment And Work Experience

Showcase your business while also exploring potential local recruitment opportunities. UST Global recently provided a work experience placement opportunity for a woman from The Marylebone Project and has since offered a further placement for another client to start in July.

Collection Drives

We facilitate regular collection drives to gather donations for a selection of local charities. Earlier this month, staff at Invesco, Knight Frank, HSBC, LCP, Madame Tussauds, Aprirose, Topland and those based in 40 Portman Square, collected more than 20 bags of food and essential items that were donated to St Mary’s Social Supermarket and Home-Start Westminster.

Find out more about our Smarter Giving initiatives, including ideas for how your business could get involved as well as ongoing volunteering and donations opportunities – here.