Berkshire-based projects. Employees from the organisation’s support office in Reading have been getting involved throughout the year as part of an employee volunteering initiative launched in 2016. This year’s Volunteers’ Week saw a green-fingered BaxterStorey team return to a community garden project in Theale.
The ‘Five A Day Market Garden’ in West Berkshire was the first project to benefit from BaxterStorey’s new scheme in 2016. The community garden provides a therapeutic outdoor space for local residents and those with special needs or disabilities. BaxterStorey volunteers planted over 400 bulbs, weeded flower beds and brought some colour, planting sunflowers and dahlias.
Mike Hanson, head of sustainable business at BaxterStorey, who said: “We have already had some really special days with important community projects. It is great to be able to support local causes and immediately see the impact it has on the people using the services. There are significant benefits to employee volunteering, a sense of achievement, increased team engagement and the opportunity to play an active role in society. These events are the first of many planned at BaxterStorey as volunteering becomes a more integral part of our business.”
Elizabeth Histed, Communications Manager at BaxterStorey, said: “Employee Volunteering helps bring businesses and communities together, delivering dynamic and rewarding employee volunteering programmes. It’s nice to think that by just giving one day of our time, we played a small part in helping to create a community space for all to enjoy. I’m already looking forward to the next opportunity to put my wellies on and make a difference.”