Flintshire-based workers from a well-known tool hire company swapped the shop floor for a community garden to help a local housing association.
Staff from the Flint branch of HSS Hire have been taking part in a volunteering day with Clwyd Alyn Housing Association organised by Business Supporting Communities (B2C).
B2C is a Big Lottery funded project that helps build links between businesses and community groups to benefit both parties.
The volunteering day saw HSS employees working with Clwyd Alyn Housing Association to tidy up the Garden City Community Garden and two allotment plots in Flintshire.
John Helm, Key Operations Director at HSS, who approached B2C to offer the services of himself and his staff, said: “We have a very proactive board at HSS who see volunteer work as being part of staff development. Everybody from the top downwards is encouraged to take part in on such project each year because it also helps individual, personal development.
“I volunteer personally as well as through work and, through an existing contact, I got in touch with B2C and they have been able to set this up. It’s great to have come across B2C because volunteering opportunities like this have been harder to find than you might think.”
Louise Blackwell, Community Development Officer for Clwyd Alyn Housing Association, said: “In the long term, young people from the area will be trained to look after the garden but this day has been really helpful to shore things up over winter.
“The garden isn’t just for Clwyd Alyn residents, it’s for the whole community to enjoy and it’s a focal point for bringing people together. This is a really nice example of how the private sector and the third sector can work together for the benefit of both parties.”
More and more businesses in the region have been seeing the benefits of volunteering in their community through projects facilitated by B2C. By building relationships with community groups, through giving up their time, sharing their expertise, or donating unwanted equipment, businesses can not only enhance their reputation but also increase employee satisfaction and make useful contacts.
B2C project officer Sarah Thomas explained: “B2C Volunteering is about bringing businesses and community groups together to improve local environments through bespoke business volunteering opportunities.
“There are real benefits for the businesses and community organisations they support. By helping tackle local issues, businesses can benefit both themselves and the communities in which they operate.
“Working as part of the six County Voluntary Councils across North Wales, B2C Project Officers provide sector specific information and support to businesses on all Employer Supported Volunteering issues and needs.”
Following their volunteer day in Flintshire, HSS Hire are also looking to volunteer in Wrexham and Conwy in the coming months through B2C.
For more information on how you and your business can help improve your local community visit www.b2cwales.co.uk.
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