BaxterStorey has pledged its support to local communities by getting hands on with a number of projects. Eager to help improve community facilities, a team from BaxterStorey’s support office in Reading took part in two volunteering days as part of its new partnership with Employee Volunteering.
The ‘Five A Day Market Garden’ in West Berkshire was the first project to benefit from the scheme. The community garden provides a therapeutic outdoor space for local residents and those with special needs or disabilities. BaxterStorey volunteers weeded, planted and created sensory mosaics for garden users.
The second BaxterStorey volunteering day saw a team share some festive spirit, creating a special Christmas grotto at The Maples – a centre for the support and development of people with autism in Reading. The helpers spent time painting the residents accommodation and making decorations for the outdoor grotto in time for Christmas.
The volunteering initiative has been organised by Mike Hanson, head of sustainable business at BaxterStorey, who said: “We have already had some really special days with two important community projects. It is great to be able to support local causes and immediately see the impact it has on the people using the services. These two events are the first of many planned as volunteering becomes a more integral part of our business.”
Employee Volunteering helps bring businesses and communities together, delivering dynamic and rewarding employee volunteering programmes. CEO of Employee Volunteering, Dewi Thomas, added: “Community-based team building events have a proven track record of developing team cohesion, staff morale and motivation while making a substantial contribution within the community. Importantly, they are also extremely enjoyable, rewarding and satisfying. Cost effective team building also brings added CSR benefits and enhances community and employee perceptions.”