Agents Do Charity - not so rubbish causes

Check out some of the latest charitable endeavours from agency and property brands this week.

Thomas Morris Sales & Lettings: Last week Thomas Morris Sales & Lettings collected 15 (BIG!) bags of rubbish in seven locations throughout Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire.

Sponsored by Relocation Agent Network and supported by Agents Giving, individuals from the six-branch company participated in the Keep Britain Tidy campaign - the Great British Spring Clean 2023.

Using social media posts, Thomas Morris promoted its activities by asking local people to suggest which parts of their community need tidying up and then went into action. One team of litter pickers in Biggleswade even found a knife which was of course handed in to the police.

Managing director Simon Bradbury said: “It really was a fantastic experience from everyone and I’m so proud of the way that every branch and department did their bit for their local communities. It’s something we will continue to do throughout the year.”

Hunters: Richard Wells, director of Hunters in Catford, London, is taking part in a challenge they have created called The Edges Walk in the Peak District this Sunday.

Two of his sons, his brother and three friends are also taking part to raise money for Bipolar UK in support of men’s mental health.

The walk goes along the famous edges of the River Derwent in the Peak District - Bamford, Stanage, Froggatt, Curbar and Baslow Edge, attempting to link them all.

Wells said: “The group has walked these edges individually many times, some of us for over 40 years – my brother and I even with our dad.

“We are starting near Ladybower Inn, and finishing at the Robin Hood Inn near Baslow. We are doing the walk this Sunday 2nd April and looking to raise money for Bipolar UK.

“As a group of friends and family, we have been close to those affected by depression, some severely, particularly bipolar. We know the effects it can have. At the same time, we know there is hope - which is why we want to raise as much money as possible for this vital cause. We will be walking on the edges to help those struggling with the edges of life.”

Find out more and donate: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/EdgesWalk

Roberts & Co: An estate agency pledging a share of housing sales to a homelessness charity has donated £2,000 to help people rebuild lives at Emmaus Preston. 

Roberts and Co Estate Agents and Lettings chose Emmaus Preston as its charity of the year for its work with people who have experienced homelessness in the city. 

Emmaus Preston provides accommodation, support, training and work experience for up to 26 people to help people build back the confidence and self-esteem to move forward in life. 

Part of Emmaus’ funding comes from its social enterprises, which involves the sale of donated household goods, new bedroom furniture and new kitchen appliances at three charity shops in Preston, with the remainder coming from fundraising and other sources. 

Director of Roberts and Co, Emma Roberts, said: “Because we’re an estate agency it was the natural choice to support people in the community who don’t have the funds to purchase or rent a house at the moment. 

“We really liked the fact that Emmaus is giving people not just a roof over their heads but a purpose as well. This is important for individuals’ wellbeing. People are clothed, fed and warmed and they’ve also got a purpose; something to get up for in the morning. There’s a sense of self-worth and pride in their work. Emmaus helps people get back on their feet, to enter the world of work and move forward with their lives.” 

During the year-long partnership, Roberts and Co held information sessions at the charity home to help prepare people to move into homes and careers with the support of Emmaus Preston. 

Throughout the winter, the estate agency also collected new clothing at branches in Lostock Hall and Penwortham to aid the charity’s outreach work with people who are street homeless. 

Head of Support at Emmaus Preston Karen Wallis said: “We’re incredibly grateful for Roberts and Co Estate Agent’s charity partnership. Their clothing collections have not only supported our work with people who are building back from homeless, but also with people who are rough sleeping. 

“Everyone attending the information sessions provided by the local experts really benefitted from learning more about renting and the paperwork that comes with it. 

“We’re excited to be able to use this funding to boost our programme of education and training, and help people develop skills for life.  

“To have the support of businesses and organisations, means so much to people supported here because it shows people are cared for and included as part of society.” 

Emmaus Preston spoke at Preston and South Ribble Landlords’ Conference held by the estate agency during the special partnership, sparking several clothing donations from proprietors and Roberts and Co customers past and present. 

Dawsons: Welsh agent Dawson has built a great relationship with local primary school Cwmrhydiceirw over recent years with Sunflower competitions, eco Christmas decorations and more recently has donated 100 bluebell bulbs to help mark its centenary.

They have been planted (hopefully) in the shape of the number 100 and should blossom in the summer months.

Dawsons marketing and PR coordinator Naomi Webborn also visited both year one classes and discussed “then and now' homes of 100 years ago to today, the differences and the home comforts.

From this, the teachers tasked the children with creating a house during their half term break, with a view to this being made out of recycled material, based on housing 100 years ago, now or in the future, and for Dawsons to display in their Morriston offices.

Upon revisiting the school to collect the houses, Dawsons were so surprised at the imagination and creativity on the children's houses. 
Stephanie Vellacott, Morriston sales manager said: “The standard of the models made is phenomenal and the attention to detail is extraordinary. Well done and thank you all I am looking forward to seeing you all when you call into the office."

The houses ranged from small cereal box houses to full scale barbie mansion style box's the attention to detail was incredible. 

Naomi added: "There are definitely some budding designers, architects, and estate agents amongst this year group, the children have blown me away with their effort, I cannot stop smiling"

The designs are on display in our Morriston sales and lettings offices for the coming weeks and we urge anyone to come and see them, they are fantastic, here are just a few to showcase and highlight the creativity.

Tees Valley Estate Agents: Mark Smith, managing director of Robinsons Tees Valley Estate Agent took part in the CEO Sleepout Middlesbrough this week,
The event aims to raise awareness and hopefully raise some money for homelessness charities and help fight poverty in the local area.
Find out more and donate:  https://www.robinsonsteesvalley.co.uk/article/ceo-sleepout-middlesbrough-1?mibextid=Zxz2cZ

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mark-smith30174