Karndean comes to the aid of dog training charity

A NATIONAL charity dedicated to training dogs to support people with epilepsy, physical disabilities and children with autism has seen its specialist training area transformed by Evesham-based Karndean Designflooring. 

Based in Sheffield, Support Dogs was nominated to receive a free floor as part of Karndean’s ’40 Free Floors for 40 Good Causes’ appeal.

The firm donated and fitted 100 square metres of its Van Gogh Classic Oak in the charity’s training supply room and main corridor.

Rita Howson, chief executive of Support Dogs, said: “We’ve been in desperate need of a new floor for many years now, but as a charity you have to put the needs of the people you serve before the cosmetics of the building.

“Our training supply room is one our most important area, and is home to our specialist on-site trainers and their dogs. With our dogs using the area on a daily basis, our previous carpet was completely unsuitable, making it almost impossible to maintain.

“To say we’re absolutely thrilled with our new Karndean floor is an understatement. It’s completely transformed our space into a professional and modern environment that we can now be proud to show off to our clients and visitors.”

Paul Barratt, managing director of Karndean Designflooring said: “As the charity relies solely on donations alone, it means the money which would have eventually been allocated to replace the floor can now be used where it’s most needed.”

Pinstripe team completes charity walk

A NUMBER of staff from Birmingham-based Pinstripe Print Group, including key account manager Lee Evans and colour champion Paul Stone, completed a 22 mile charity walk in aid of the Parkinson’s (UK) and Moseley Community Foundation charities.

They raised £1,500 for each of the charitable causes.

The walk started from Mary Arden’s House in Stratford-upon-Avon, and finished at Moseley Rugby Club’s ground on Billesley Common, where Lee doubles in his spare time as the match day announcer, being nicknamed the ‘Voice of Moseley’.

The fundraising walk forms a part of Pinstripe’s extensive corporate social responsibility (CSR) Policy initiatives, which involves the company being supportive of a number of local and national charitable causes, of which the Parkinson’s (UK) and the Moseley Community Foundation are just two.

Speaking about the walk, Lee said:  “It was really hot, which necessitated regular re-hydration at a number of the hostelries along the way, with eight on the route.”

Charities receive £17,000 from Palletforce members

MEMBERS of distribution firm Palletforce have donated more than £17,000 to two major charities.
 
Both the Midlands Air Ambulance and The Brain Tumour Charity will benefit from more than £8,000 each after a record breaking fundraising event at Palletforce’s AGM earlier this year.
 
The money – the most ever received at a Palletforce AGM – was raised by an auction, with prizes including VIP tickets to watch IL Divo and the Eagles, a signed Andy Murray montage and a signed Sebastian Vettel cap, and a raffle with prizes including a mini iPads and cases of champagne.
 
Sofia Voutianitis, corporate fundraising manager for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, said: “The company’s support has been tremendous and their generous donation will help to fund several life-saving missions within the Midlands.”
 
Cheques were presented to both charities during a presentation at the Palletforce Hub in Burton upon Trent.  

EZE Group steps up support for Help Harry Help Others

EZE Group, the lifestyle and leisure specialist, has stepped up its support for the Help Harry Help Others by becoming official patron of the Birmingham-based charity.

Over the last two years the EZE Group Foundation has helped raise thousands of pounds for Help Harry Help Others through a variety of joint initiatives involving Birmingham City FC, including match-day collections, raffles and other money spinning events such as donating the shirt sponsorship rights for a one off game.

Help Harry Help Others is the official charity of Birmingham City and EZE Group, which is based in the city, is a diamond partner of the club.

Georgie Moseley, chairman and founder of Help Harry Help Others, said: “We have enjoyed a brilliant relationship with EZE Group over the last couple of years so are delighted they have agreed to bolster their support by becoming one of the charity’s official patrons.

“We look forward to working with EZE Group and strengthening our relationship further so we can continue to provide valuable backing to young cancer sufferers and those families the disease impacts upon.”

Dominic O’Reilly, CEO of EZE Group, said: “We have been tremendously impressed by the team at Help Harry Help Others who work tirelessly to raise funds which can really make a difference to individuals and families who are struck down by cancer.

“We will be working with the charity to further maximise our links with Birmingham City FC and reach out to supporters across the West Midlands region and beyond.”