To call ourselves a responsible business, we must do right by our people, our society and the planet we share. As the 5th of September is International Day of Charity, we're taking the opportunity to share some examples of how our people are doing something good for others with their volunteering days.

We’re super-proud to be a company that cares about our local communities. That’s why we give all our employees a day off every year to volunteer! At the time of writing, we have had over 50 days and counting completed. From swim-athons to dog walking, 3 Peak Challenges to cleaning up rivers and canals and volunteering at a local mosque during Ramadan. It’s not what you do but who you’re helping that counts. There are many more days planned, but for now, here’s some of the awesome things our people have done so far.

Shanaine Maynard-Munroe: Helping Build a Better Animal Sanctuary

The Service Management and Service Transition team recently teamed up for a big volunteering day at the Brockswood Animal Sanctuary. The team were given the task of tackling some of the maintenance, a never-ending list for the sanctuary. Closely watched by Malcom the emu, the team got to work with gloves and spades; old fences were replaced with new stable fences, dirt shovelled, and shrubs moved. The team achieved a huge amount of work and provided a large amount of support for Brockswood, work that would have taken them weeks to complete, that’s what we call a success!

Reflecting on her experience, Shanaine had this to share with us: “After a long day of hard work, we were rewarded with spending some time with all the animals that get to call the sanctuary home. I didn’t use my charity day last year, and I cannot recommend taking this day enough! It’s super simple to book off, and a wonderful way to spend the day. We’re already thinking about what we can do next year.”

Tony Stamper, Craig Pedley and Chris Stening: Supporting LGBT+ charity Opening Doors

Opening Doors is a charity that helps older LGBT+ people in the UK who may be lonely, discriminated against, or have health problems. Tony, Senior Programme Manager, Craig, Lead Application Developer, and Chris, Group Transformation Director, collected money and raised awareness to support the cause:

“We decided to set up this volunteering opportunity because we wanted to help a charity that helps older LGBT+ people who may have a tough time in life. It’s important to raise awareness and money for this cause, especially during Pride Month.”

John Forrest: Volunteering for Carstairs & District Community Gala Event

The Carstairs & District Community Gala Event has been going since 1912 and it certainly helped John, Project Controls Manager, put his project management skills in action.

“On my Volunteer Day, I helped organise all the events of the day and prepare for the other weekday events. The events have something for everyone, with fun and participation being the main priority. Events include a Sports Programme, BBQ, and a disco to name a few. The whole event was paid for by local fundraising, which was great for the families involved.

Volunteering makes you feel good in both your head and body. I can highly recommend helping at any event in your local community.”

Kyle Wood: Taking to the Pitch for Charity

For the second year running a Charity Cricket Match was organised by Kyle, Field Network Operations Manager, and his colleagues. With a team full of keen cricketers, they decided to support a local junior cricket programme with funds raised from the match, ensuring children at the club have the opportunity to attend training camps without any additional costs to them and their families.

The match was open to all employees and even some of our suppliers attended. It was an enjoyable day, with a few games played on the field, and raffles for those choosing not to don the whites, raising over £1,500. Howzat?!

Chris Bryan and Emily Bryan: Defibrillator Charity Walk

On the 21st of June, Chris, Core Network Inventory Manager, and his daughter Emily, Infill & LOC Planner, walked over 20 miles across the bright lights of Telford visiting and checking batteries and pads on over 20 defibrillators.

As a volunteer with Telford First Responders, Chris knows all too well how important funds are to continue the work they do, “As a charity, we have no direct income and rely entirely upon donations. Running our vehicles, buying kit and community public access defibrillators checks requires some funds. Walking 20 miles with my daughter for a great cause was the perfect way to spend the longest day of the year!” 

We can all play our part in making a difference and helping our local community. We are proud to be part of an organisation that enables our people to give back to the communities we work in. To find out more about CityFibre and our focus on our people, the planet and society, click here.