Agents Do Charity - community causes

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

If you have a charitable event or donations 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.

David Wilson Homes: Housebuilder David Wilson Homes, which is building Sawbridge Park in Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire, recently made a £1,500 donation to East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals’ Charity to support the neonatal unit at Lister Hospital in Stevenage.
 
In commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the NHS on the 5 July 2023, the donation was made from The Barratt Foundation’s Community Fund initiative, of which David Wilson Homes is part of, and sees the housebuilder donate £1,500 each month to a charity improving the lives of individuals in the areas close to its developments and offices.

Shauna Gooding, philanthropy manager at East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals’ Charity, said: “As a charity, our work relies on the generosity of others in order to continue our support and vital work for our patients. We aim to change lives and make people’s health our top priority. 

“At the neonatal unit, we understand the worries and struggles that parents go through and how distressing it can be when babies are admitted. This donation from David Wilson Homes will go towards making sure that we have the best equipment and facilities to continue the work that we are doing for our patients.”

Marc Woolfe, head of sales for David Wilson Homes, said: “I am very grateful that our Community Fund can go towards important charities working to support those in need, such as at Lister Hospital.

“The care and support that the nurses provide for the newborn babies within the neonatal unit is one to be recognised and supported. We hope that this donation will help towards any extra support or equipment needed for the patients.”

Hodge: A retired solicitor from Wales has got the wind in her sails thanks to support from one of her home nation’s specialist lenders, Hodge.

Elaine Theaker is taking on the ‘world’s toughest row’ as part of a five-strong crew and is set to cross 2,800 miles of ocean from California to the ‘Garden Island’ of Kauai in Hawaii. The team set sail on 12 June.
 
The Abergavenny resident is taking part in the challenge to raise money for four national air ambulance crews, including Air Ambulance Wales, and SSAFA - the Armed Forces Charity, with sponsorship from Hodge.

As a specialist in later life finance, and retired herself from a legal career specialising in pensions and wills, Elaine reached out to Hodge to support the venture and was delighted when the Cardiff-based lender agreed.

Elaine said: “I’m absolutely over the moon to have the support of Hodge in attempting this challenge and so grateful to them for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime to take part in a challenge like this.

I’m not the only one who will benefit either, in that the money we raise will help air ambulance crews nationwide ensure they continue to save lives, and thousands of current and former serving members of Britain’s armed forces continue to get vital support in all areas of their lives too.”

The founder of her own firm, Advantage Legal, for 16 years before her retirement, Elaine is also an accomplished fine boat river rower who rowed the Atlantic in 2017 with a female trio in 60 days and 18 hours, achieving two Guinness World Records in the process.

Hodge is supporting Elaine and her Flyin’ Fish crew members in completing the first ever Pacific Challenge, alongside 14 other teams, as an example of someone living their retirement very much to the full.

The voyage is expected to take more than 60 days, with only 82 people in 33 boats having ever successfully rowed to one of the Hawaiian islands from mainland USA.

Dave Landen, chief executive of Hodge, said: “Elaine is such a great representation of someone living their later life in a much less ordinary way. Her passion and drive is a very inspirational story, so we were really keen to sponsor her.

“I can’t imagine what it takes physically or mentally to complete the kind of challenges Elaine has the courage to set herself in life, and the team here at Hodge are all in complete awe of the Flyin’ Fish team generally.

“So, we were more than happy to be associated with their efforts in completing the first ever Pacific Challenge for such good causes in the process,” he added.

For more information on Elaine and her Flyin’ Fish crew’s challenge and to donate towards their efforts visit www.rowflyinfish.co.uk
 

Wickers Charity: Some of the biggest name in property have gathered to raise more than £150,000 to help fight knife crime.

The Wickers Charity, a dedicated East London-based organization focused on reducing gang-related crime and supporting the youth of the area, recently hosted an extraordinary fundraising event that brought the property industry together for a Great Gatsby themed black-tie extravaganza with white-collar boxing for the main event. 

Held at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms, the event was made possible through the generous sponsorship of renowned London property developer Aitch Group, Wooldridge Group & Southern Grove Group. 

The event showcased the remarkable bravery and commitment of some industry icons including: Andrew Southern, founder and chairman of Southern Grove Group of Companies,

Charlie Wooldridge, commercial director at Wooldridge Group and Harry Martin, director at JLL. These individuals dedicated months of intense training determination to deliver awe-inspiring performances in the boxing ring.

The evening was hosted by Jonny Nelson, a Sky Sports boxing presenter alongside ex-professional boxer Victor Smith, now British Boxing Board of Control professional boxing coach and owner of the Essex Fight Academy.

The Wickers Charity’s mission is to prevent young people from entering a life of crime by providing opportunities to succeed in life. 

With a personal connection to the consequences of knife crime in East London, having lost his brother-in-law, founder Henry Smith has made it his own personal mission to make sure other families do not suffer in the same way. 

Henry said: "The success of our event is a testament to the unwavering commitment and passion of everyone involved. 

“We are immensely grateful to the property industry, our sponsors, and all those who generously contributed to this cause. By raising in excess of £150,000, we have taken a significant step forward in our mission to combat knife crime and empower the youth of East London. Together, we are making a tangible difference and building a brighter future for our community."
 

Do It For Dom: Hundreds of agents and suppliers took part in an 11 mile industry hike across the Peak District to raise money for the Do It For Dom charity.

Former rugby player turned estate agent Dominic Subbiani was diagnosed with Huntington’s Disease in 2017 of which there is no cure.

Huntington’s disease is a condition that stops parts of the brain from working properly over time. Dom’s illness has now progressed to a stage where he requires round-the-clock medical assistance and is currently residing in a palliative care home.

With key sponsors Iamproperty, Rightmove. PVS Media, Acaboom, Sprift and support from Agents Giving, they raised in excess of £73,000.

Dom Subianni was unable to attend this year in person but he was represented by his brother Rob who flew over from Bahrain and his uncle Billy.

Do it for Dom was founded and launched by Suzanna Mavity, sales director of Acaboom, with money raised from events going towards helping people within the industry suffering from mental and physical conditions as well as supporting families and funding home adaptations.

The fundraising event also included an afterparty and auction with prizes including hot air balloon rides, luxury hotel breaks and very generously supported by Sean Newman and Verona Frankish holiday lets in Mallorca and Ireland. 

Find out more and donat: https://www.justgiving.com/doit-fordom