A fruitful partnership amongst the apple trees – Genzyme steps in to support Restore’s 24th Elder Stubbs Festival, organised by our members, volunteers and staff.
In the run-up to the annual Elder Stubbs Festival there is much to be done – and, as you know, many hands make light work. That’s why we were thrilled when local company Genzyme approached us to ask about opportunities for volunteering days for their employees.
In 2015 we have been awarded the Oxford Brookes Management of Volunteers Award. We sent through a list of volunteering activities available and Genzyme promoted the opportunity to volunteer during their conference, via their staff canteen and in reception. An amazing 18 people put their name forward to help out over a 4 day period in the run up to the Elder Stubbs Festival.
The volunteers helped with jobs like assembling the main stage – as shown in the photograph below, as well as digging deep to spruce-up the allotment beds.
Genzyme Volunteer at Elder Stubbs Festival
Mary Robertson, Restore Trustee and coordinator of the Elder Stubbs Festival says: “The volunteers who came from Genzyme made an enormous difference to our festival. They worked tirelessly to do the jobs that we just didn’t have time to do. Despite bad weather they cleared flower beds, cut grass, prepared the stages and put up marquees. They were unfailingly cheerful and brought a very positive atmosphere to all the hard work. All their efforts meant the site was looking great on the day and this contributed greatly to our success. We couldn’t have done it without them and hope very much that they will come back next year.”
(Photo: Sue Booton at work in the flower beds) Jill Fardon, one of the volunteers from Genzyme, adds: “I have to say, digging the plots was very hard work, certainly got the blood flowing, but it was a very enjoyable day overall not only spent with colleagues all sharing in the effort, but also for such a fantastic cause. Supporting Restore with the invaluable work they are doing to raise awareness for mental health in the local community, was well worth all the hard work on the allotments. I would volunteer again next year without hesitation”.
As well as paying staff for their volunteering days, Genzyme have also applied for funding via their global volunteer funding programme G.I.V.E. which provides unrestricted funds based upon volunteer involvement. So we will benefit from a precious gift of money as well as time.
Henry Featherstone, Public Affairs Director at Genzyme signals that volunteering marks the beginning of a fruitful relationship: “Genzyme is pleased to be able to support the very valuable work of Restore. There was no shortage of volunteers coming forward to help in the run up to the Elder Stubbs Festival and we look forward to developing a long and flourishing collaboration with such an inspiring organisation”.
We’re pleased to report that Genzyme’s partnership with us hasn’t stopped at volunteering, they have also undertaken collections at their conference and in the office, a Rugby World Cup sweepstake and guess the number of sweets in the Jar for us. Furthermore, we have happily shared information about the exciting range of sponsored events that can be entered on our behalf – click here for more information. We hope that some of Genzyme’s staff are looking for a rewarding challenge for charity!
All at Restore are thrilled that Genzyme has been able to provide such valuable support to our work and hope that other local companies might also follow suit.
Jill Fardon, one of the volunteers from Genzyme, says: “it was a very enjoyable day overall not only spent with colleagues all sharing in the effort, but also for such a fantastic cause. Supporting Restore with the invaluable work they are doing to raise awareness for mental health in the local community, was well worth all the hard work on the allotments. I would volunteer again next year without hesitation”.
To find out how your organisation can get involved with us please contact Lucy Browse email: lucy.browse@restore.org.uk Tel: 01865 455822