Agents Do Charity - and what’s that rumble I hear?

Hello and welcome to the last day of January, Brexit Day and - perhaps most importantly - the latest edition of Agents Do Charity.

It’s early in the year and many in the industry are working hard in a busier-than-expected 2020 market, but it’s heartening that so many still find time for good causes.

If you want some publicity for your fund-raising, please let us know: contact press@estateagenttoday.co.uk with details and ideally a pic or two, and we’ll do the rest.

Now, seconds away…round one!

Rumble With The Agents for Inclusion Barnet: This year the spectacular Rumble With The Agents, the annual white-collar charity boxing event hosted by Landlord Action and sponsored by Hamilton Fraser, will be fundraising for Inclusion Barnet, a charity which provides vital support for people with disability, including mental health issues and/or long-term health conditions.

Paul Shamplina, who set up the event six years ago and runs it alongside his wife Rita, is looking for 10 individuals from the property sector, who would like the opportunity to try their hand at boxing, to sign up by February 7. 

A free, fully structured and supervised boxing training program to ensure optimum physical fitness and teach participants the correct techniques will be provided by JA Boxing in north London.  

Therefore, participants are not required to have any previous experience, just a desire to learn a new skill, get fit in three months and support an excellent local charity. 

Inclusion Barnet is a Deaf and Disabled People’s Organisation which means that their staff and trustees have lived experience of disability, including mental health issues and long-term conditions. They use their lived experience to raise awareness and educate society about the barriers faced by disabled people and how people can work together to remove those barriers.  

Paul says: “As many people know, I’ve been a keen boxer for many years. Boxing not only helps me keep fit, it’s a stress reliever, motivator, confidence builder and has taught me discipline.  I know an increasing number of boxing clubs are doing an outstanding job to ensure that the experiences they offer are fully inclusive, and that is why we feel that this year’s charity is a perfect fit for Rumble with the Agents 2020.”

The evening will consist of five fights, which will be three two-minute rounds each, a sit down three-course meal, charity auction and raffle.  

The event - which so far has raised a heartwarming total of £93,000 for various charities, is open to agents, property professionals, suppliers and landlords and will take place on Thursday May 21 at Holiday Inn, Avenue Banqueting, 58 Regents Park Road, London, N3 3JN.

To find out more, volunteer to take part, buy tickets or donate for the auction please email info@rumblewiththeagents.co.uk or call 07790 569501. Tickets to the event are here: www.rumblewiththeagents.co.uk. 

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YMCA Downlink: Sussex-based property firm Willmott Dixon has teamed up with students from Greater Brighton Metropolitan College to refurbish a church in Hove to create 29 supported accommodation units for homeless people.

St Patrick’s Church will be run by YMCA DownsLink Group and the Churches Night Shelter Project and includes 29 short-term homes and a 365 day a year night shelter for up to 15 people. The charity provides homeless people, who have a range of support needs, with opportunities to gain qualifications and training and help towards more permanent arrangements.

Willmott Dixon’s team is donating all materials required to refurbish the building during the eight-week project. As part of this, under the supervision of Willmott Dixon, students from Greater Brighton Metropolitan’s construction and trades course will be volunteering their time to complete the required work.

Russell Miller, a director at Willmott Dixon, says: “The new accommodation will make a huge difference to those who are struggling with homelessness and provide them with the confidence and encouragement to build brighter futures.”

Nick Juba, chief executive of Greater Brighton Metropolitan College, adds: “Homelessness is an issue affecting so many people in our local communities, regardless of age or educational background. The College’s purpose is to help individuals from all walks of life to unlock their potential and transform their lives.”

The night shelter at St Patrick’s Church is due to open in March.

Mountbatten Hospice: Isle of Wight agency Hose Rhodes Dickson, which is 30 years old this year, has pledged to raise £30,000 for Mountbatten hospice in a #Raising30for30 campaign throughout 2020. 

The firm will donate £10 from every sale and organise a series of fun events and challenges including Walk The Wight; staff at all six of its offices will participate. 

“We have always been huge supporters of our local community and it is really important to us that we give something back to the Island. The work done at Mountbatten plays a big role in Island life. I don’t think there is anyone that hasn’t been affected in one way or another, whether personally or through family and friends” founder Jeff Hose has told the local media. 

The County Press reports that Mountbatten chief executive Nigel Harley says: “‘Hose Rhodes Dickson have been long term supporters of Mountbatten and we’re so pleased they have chosen to raise such a huge amount as a team to continue the funding of a Mountbatten nurse. Their support will directly benefit so many people living on the Island needing the support of our specialist nurses.”