Agents Do Charity - positive partnerships

There are plenty of inspiring examples of charity partnerships with property brands this week, from foodbanks to hospitals.

If there are charitable endeavours you think the rest of the industry should know about, please email us on press@estateagenttoday.co.uk, or get in touch via our social platforms, and we’ll do the rest

Leaders Romans Group: Agency brand Leaders Romans Group (LRG) has announced a nationwide partnership with the Trussell Trust foodbank charity.

All branches in LRG’s network of estate agency brands, including Gibbs Gillespie, Portico, Scottfraser, Leaders, Romans, Moginie James and Hose Rhodes Dickson, will act as donation centres for their local food banks, working in partnership to support local communities.

As part of LRG’s support, the group will also arrange a series of fundraising events alongside collecting donations.

Peter Kavanagh, chief executive of LRG said: “Across the UK, we are facing a cost of living crisis, resulting in more and more people turning to food banks for support. 

“This new national partnership with the Trussell Trust means we can build on the results we have achieved by utilising our high street network of offices to help people in our local communities. Thereby continuing to challenge the structural issues that pull people into poverty to ensure the people of tomorrow will never need to use a food bank.

“We’ve been delighted to support the Trussell Trust through our planning consultancy, Boyer, over the past 12 months, and have lots more exciting initiatives coming up nationwide.”

Verity Frearson: Harrogate Estate Agent Verity Frearson has been nominated for the Charitable Business of the Year award in the Yorkshire Choice Awards 2023.

The Yorkshire Choice Awards aim to raise awareness of local people and independent businesses that are inspirational in their own way or in the markets they serve.

Over the years, the brand has helped collect teddies to send to children in war torn countries, taken part in a CEO Sleepout to raise money to fight homelessness and poverty, run (or walked) the Race for life and sponsored countless charity events and individuals.

In 2022 it celebrated its 100th birthday with a charitable initiative called ‘100 Days of Giving’.

The aim was to give back to the community that has supported us for the last century by undertaking an act of giving, every day for 100 days.

The finalists are determined by an online public vote and winners will be announced at a ceremony on 9 June in Centenary Pavilion at Leeds United.

Matthew Stamford, managing director at Verity Frearson said: “We are honoured and thrilled to be nominated for Charitable Business of the Year. To win would be the perfect way to round off our centenary celebrations! Charity has always been a big part of our company ethos and we have taken part in various fundraising events over the years. We have lots of exciting plans to continue to give back to our community in 2023 so watch this space.”

The public vote is now open www.yorkshirechoiceawards.co.uk/votehere and voting closes in April.

The Property Centre: Regional agent The Property Centre, which has branches located across Gloucestershire and Worcestershire, has donated more than £20,000 to charity.
In celebration of its 25th year in business last year, the team decided to mark the milestone by donating £25 to charity for every new property they instructed that went on to complete or let before the end of 2022.

The total raised came to £20,025 and in support of the four main areas covered by their branches, a charitable cause in each locality was chosen, with the total split equally between the four charities.

Stuart Nash, co-founding senior partner at The Property Centre, said:  “As an independent company with estate agents in Gloucester, Cheltenham, Worcester and Stroud, it’s important to us to support our local communities and the charities which serve them.”

Donations were sent to disability support charities the Chamwell Centre and National Star as well as the Longfield Community Hospice and St. Richard's Hospice.

Bond Wolfe: Staff from commercial property agency and auctioneers Bond Wolfe have raised £10,000 in the past year for the Teenage Cancer Trust Young Persons’ Unit in Birmingham.

The funds were raised at a number of events across 2022 including a skydive, a half marathon and a Christmas Jumper Day.

The donations to the unit were made by the Bond Wolfe Charitable Trust, via the University Hospitals Birmingham Charity.

Worrall said: “The primary focus of the Bond Wolfe Charitable Trust is to raise funds for a range of worthy causes that help people from all walks of life.

“In 2022, we have been proud to support the University Hospitals Birmingham Charity, raising funds for the Young Persons Unit through our company fundraising activities.”

For 2023, the Bond Wolfe Charitable Trust is supporting the University Hospitals Birmingham Charity’s (UHBC) Children's Appeal.

This will be raising funds to support children by making their time in hospital a little more comfortable, less daunting, and to create a child friendly environment across the four hospitals supported by UHBC.

David Wilson Homes: Crowthorne-based charity Sebastian’s Action Trust has welcomed the new year with a £15,000 donation from David Wilson Homes. 

The housebuilder, currently building its Ashridge Grange development nearby in Wokingham, will see its funds distributed between the beneficiaries to help the charity to continue its work supporting families of seriously ill children from diagnosis throughout treatment and beyond.

Founded in 2004, the Sebastian’s Action Trust helps families of children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions by offering free emotional, social and practical support.

The charity also offers outreach and respite care from its centres in Berkshire and Hampshire. The £15,000 donation will ensure the continued provision of these vital services, making sure they are always there for the families of seriously ill children.

Alison Evans, head of fundraising at Sebastian’s Action Trust, said: “This generous donation will be directed towards our Family Service team, which will allow us to sustain our ability to provide our beneficiaries with events and outreach services.  

“These services enable our families to spend time making precious memories with loved ones, also ensuring we can continue to walk alongside families from diagnosis, through treatment and beyond. We are grateful for the continued support from David Wilson Southern Counties, which has allowed us to start 2023 with a financially secure plan of support.”

Sebastian’s Action Trust’s long-standing partnership with David Wilson Southern Counties saw the charity receive almost  £70,000 in 2021, when the housebuilder embarked on a year-long fundraising mission to support its services.

Julian Hodder, managing director for David Wilson Southern Counties, added: “We are pleased to have once again been able to support Sebastian’s Action Trust and provide a degree of stability amidst current economic challenges. 

“I was able to meet some of the team at their outreach and respite centre in Berkshire to learn more about the charity’s plans for this year and where our donation will be distributed. We look forward to seeing the charity continue its hard work supporting families in the local community.”

Agents Giving: Industry charity Agents Giving has revealed the line up for its annual Strictly-inspired dancing competition.

The Strictly Agents Dancing competition will take place at the annual industry charity ball, organised by Agents Giving with headline sponsor Callwell, taking place on Friday 14 July at Epsom Downs Racecourse in Surrey.

Agents Giving has today unveiled this year’s brave industry individuals ready to don the sequins and compete for your votes and the coveted glitterball trophy.

Your 2023 Strictly Agents Dancers are:
Natalie Barton – Propertymark
Bonnie Larcombe – GOTO Group
Abby Scott – Archer and Co
Kaitlin Stoddart – Paramount
Zenara Henry-Drake – Simply Conveyancing
Ben Madden – Fine & Country
Mal McCallion – Get Agent
David Elliott – The Frost Partnership
Lauren Jackson – Drivers & Norris
Will Davies – X1

There is space for one more dancer so if you fancy a challenge, get those dancing shoes on and sparkle at our charity ball please get in contact: info@agentsgiving.org

Discover more about our wonderful dancers at https://agentsgiving.org/event/strictly-agents-dancing-charity-ball-2023/

The occasion will also celebrate the fundraising achievements of agents and suppliers with The Fundraising Champions Awards. 

Guests will enjoy a drinks reception with spectacular views over the historic racecourse and London. There will be a three-course meal, charity auction and plenty of dancing, including the Strictly Agents Dancing Competition, live band and disco.

> Book your early bird tickets today to secure your place at the ball.