Lemurs welcome PPDG zoo donation

TWO ring-tailed lemurs were delighted to hear the news of a cash donation to Dudley Zoo and Gardens from a Black Country employment and training company.

Staff at Pertemps People Development Group’s (PPDG) Dudley office nominated their local zoo for a donation from their award-winning payroll giving scheme.

Andy Christie, who works in PPDG’s King Street office, made the suggestion to donate to the cause after getting support from his colleagues. He got to meet the cheeky boys from Lemur Wood when he handed over the donation.

“I’m new to the business but thought the scheme was something I wanted to be a part of,” said Andy. “I pass the zoo on my way to work. It’s somewhere we all take for granted but I didn’t appreciate that it was an educational charity with such a focus on animal conservation.”

The company has previously supported Dudley Zoo and Gardens, encouraging staff to see for themselves just what a fantastic day out it offers.”
 

Business choir bring carols to Queen Elizabeth Hospital

COLMORE Business District’s choir, Colmore Chorus, gave a special performance for patients and staff at Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

The choir had been invited to perform in the hospital’s Atrium by Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB) Charity. As the official charity for Queen Elizabeth Hospital, QEHB Charity encourages various groups and individuals to visit and sing or play music to encourage a pleasant and enjoyable atmosphere for patients, visitors and staff.

Formed in summer 2011, Colmore Chorus is made up of local professionals working within Birmingham’s commercial quarter, Colmore Business District. Choir members are from companies including Mott MacDonald, Shoosmiths, CrossCountry Trains, Midven, Mills & Reeve and Highcross.

Trained by the nationally renowned Birmingham Opera Company, the choir is a Colmore BID project delivered as part of the BID’s objective to provide engaging community activities for the business district.

Head of fundraising at QEHB Charity, Justine Davy, said, “We were overjoyed to have Colmore Chorus performing here at the hospital to entertain our patients and staff. 

“The links between the various business people who sing in the choir and support the QEHB Charity make them a perfect choice to come and sing in the Atrium.” 

 
Deloitte hosts third annual Community Games for disability sport

 
SOME 225 schoolchildren from 13 schools across the West Midlands have taken part in a Community Games day organised by Deloitte to raise awareness of disability sport.

Held at the National Indoor Arena (NIA) Community Hall, the children had the chance to experience a number of disability sports – from Powerchair Football to Goalball – with medals being awarded throughout the day by the Team GB Goalball team.
 
In addition to all the sports available to try on the day – Inclusive Cricket, Powerchair Football, Badminton, Goalball and Boccia – volunteers and representatives from a number of local initiatives and clubs were on hand to help link children with the sports they enjoy. Groups included Birmingham Sport & Physical Activity Partnership, Goalball UK, Boccia England, Aston Villa Rockets, Badminton England and Warwickshire CCC.

Joining the children, were members of the Paralympics GB Goalball team. 

Ricky Friend, organiser of the Deloitte Community Day event and consultant at Deloitte in Birmingham, said: “Over the past three years our Community Games have encouraged hundreds of children across the West Midlands, with or without disabilities, to take part in and take up Parasport.”