Community Partnerships
We take our community responsibilities extremely seriously and the shareholders are committed to investing in a range of projects involving the Arts, Education, Sporting Excellence and Health, reflecting our geographic presence across the UK.
Recent and ongoing projects include:
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The Prince of Wales Hospice, Pontefract
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The Royal Opera House
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Windsor Half-Marathon
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Twyford Scouts & Community Centre
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Jeans for Genes
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The Atlantic Challenge
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The HAVEN Programme, India
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Prince of Wales Hospice, Pontefract
Huntswood were introduced to the Prince of Wales Hospice in Pontefract in 2002 and became an instant admirer of the work and dedication of all of those working at the hospice. Of all the hospices that His Royal Highness is involved with only this one has such a heavy reliance on public support to keep it from indebtedness.
It was an easy decision for the shareholders to make the hospice the company's nominated charity. Through the years Huntswood has made cash donations (2002 £6,000, 2003 £15,733, 2004 £20,000 and 2005 £46,346) but we all try and do more. Our month end dress down day - where everyone pays £1 to wear jeans - proceeds go to the hospice. The runners from the business who take part each year in the Windsor Half-Marathon - collect sponsorship and run in aid of the hospice. If we ever have a sweepstake in the company the 1st 2nd and 3rd prizes go to people taking part - 4th prize goes to the hospice.
The Royal Opera House
Huntswood is a keen supporter of the Royal Opera House programmes for ballet, opera and development.
Amongst various ways of supporting the House, Huntswood has this year sponsored a performance of:
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'A Month in the Country'
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'Die Zauberflöte'
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'The Lesson / La Sylphide'
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'Un ballo in maschera'
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In addition, Huntswood sponsors Rupert Pennyfather, a soloist with the Royal Ballet and supports the Royal Ballet School.
Huntswood is also a member of the Royal Opera House First Night Club which means that Huntswood staff and customers can attend first night performances throughout the season.
In total, Huntswood will have donated over £250,000 to the Royal Opera House between 2004-06.
Windsor Half-Marathon
Since 2000 we have been committed to supporting and sponsoring the Windsor Half-Marathon. This annual event shares its proceeds with the housing charity CRASH and / or The Prince Philip Trust.
We also encourage our people to participate in the event, including family and friends. The whole day combines community support and a family event and most Huntswood runners aim to raise additional funds for the Prince of Wales Hospice in Pontefract.
Twyford Scouts & Community Centre
In November 2003, an important community facility was destroyed when an arson attack resulted in Twyford's Scout Hut being burnt down. This resulted in the Scouts, Guides and Brownies who use the facility being made 'homeless' and the organisers of these groups having to process a substantial insurance claim. A £16,000 donation from Huntswood enabled them to build for the future by constructing an improved community facility which can be used by all community youth groups and includes a crèche.
Jeans for Genes
Jeans for Genes is an annual national appeal where everyone across the UK is asked to relax usual dress rules in exchange for jeans and donate a minimum of £2 each to help children with genetic disorders. The idea was presented by an employee to representatives of the staff forum and was consequently met with unanimous approval. The foundation charities responsible for establishing Jeans for Genes were Great Ormond Street Hospital Childrens Charity, the Primary Immunodeficiency Association, the Society for Mucopolysaccharide Diseases and the Chronic Granulomatus Disorder Research Trust. In 2004, Huntswood employed raised a total of £212 for Jeans for Genes.
The Atlantic Challenge - Diabetes Research & Wellness Foundation
During October 2003, 17 identical boats began a race across the Atlantic with the aim of trying to break the forty-one day world record. Our sponsorship of £15,000 enabled the Atlantic Challenge rowers to generate good publicity in support of the Diabetes Research & Wellness Foundation.
The HAVEN programme
HAVEN builds community support centres for the poorest villages in India. Each centre will have medical, learning and elderly day care facilities. There is no charge whatsoever to any of the villagers for using a HAVEN centre. A number of our employees grouped together and developed a way in which old branded stationary such as rulers, pens, pencils and note books could be recycled for the benefit of those that could not afford to divert limited funds to what would be deemed as luxury items. Some 5,000 notebooks and other materials were packed and sent to India in support of the HAVEN programme.