Commercial is pleased to announce another successful local charity day as part of its Change Champions employee volunteering scheme. On Thursday 10 October a team of seven from across Commercial carried out garden clearance, tree lopping and general gardening for the James Hopkins Trust, based in Gloucester.

The James Hopkins Trust was founded in 1989 to provide care for babies and children up to the age of five with a life-limiting condition, while supporting their families with respite. The Trust supports over 100 children in Gloucestershire.

“We were very pleased to be able to support the James Hopkins Trust in this way,” says Craig Tomes, Account Director, Managed IT. “Carrying out garden clearance, lopping trees and general garden work meant that the charity could invest the money it would have otherwise spent on this activity into direct support of these children and their families.”

“Thank you to the lovely team from Commercial who spent the day gardening at Kites Corner, home of James Hopkins Trust,” adds Ria Heap, the Trust’s Community, Events & Volunteer Manager. “They did an absolutely fantastic job - the sensory garden looks tip top, not a leaf in sight!!
“We are incredibly grateful to companies like Commercial that generously donate a work day a year to charity for each of their staff. It was great to meet you all - thanks so much to all for choosing to spend your volunteer day helping us at James Hopkins Trust.”

A 2017 Change Champions team created this charity day for employees to take paid leave to go into the community and support a cause they hold dear. For example, employees have run also marathons for charities and worked with local animal shelters. To date over 40 days of paid leave have been granted.

“We had a great time, and these days are a great way to get staff engaged as well as help others,” concludes Craig.