CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME
Friday 28th September 2010
Donations totalling over £25,000 have provided a vital boost for a Buckinghamshire charity thanks to staff at local housebuilder Kebbell Homes.
Padstones provides support in two resident accommodation settings in Burnham and High Wycombe for young people aged 16-25, who are venerable and at risk across the Thames Valley area. The young residents have usually been left homeless after a family breakdown, parents moving away, being thrown out or leaving care. The charity’s operations ensure that the young adults can make a smooth transition from dependence to independence.
Each month Kebbell employees may opt to have a donation deducted from their gross salary through a ‘Give As You Earn’ scheme, to which Kebbell Homes adds a matching donation. The annual contribution will help towards Padstones’ daily expenditure of around £1,200 a day.
On Wednesday 1st September, Kebbell staff visited the charity’s newly opened facility, Havenfield in High Wycombe marking a milestone in their four year fundraising partnership. The visit was also an opportunity for Kebbell employees to see the ways in which its contributions are continuing to support the cause.
Sue Ogden, general manager of Padstones explained: “Our fundraising partnership with Kebbell Homes began in 2006 and the team has shown a huge commitment to the work we do. We are grateful for every penny raised. This kind of support can make a real difference to the lives of vulnerable young people within our local area.”
Richard Barrett, finance director at Kebbell Homes added “Along with the ‘Give As You Earn’ scheme, we have also raised funds through staff barbeques, a sponsored walk, a sponsored cycle ride and a Christmas raffle. We will continue to think up ways in which we can support Padstones so that it may carry on delivering such a commendable service.”
Thanks to Kebbell and the charity’s other supporters, Padstones has just celebrated its 18th year of service, helping over 800 young people since it opened its doors in 1992.