Agents Do Charity - solid foundations

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.

TDS: TDS Charitable Foundation attracted £440,325 in donations last year, helping it fund a range of causes.

The latest annual review from the foundation shows the largest project supported was worth almost £200,000, backing research at the Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence.

This research resulted in several reports, such as on alternative approaches to resolving housing disputes, understanding landlord behaviour, improving compliance with legislation, and more. These reports continue to inform policy and practice across the UK.

Other supported projects included the Exeter Private Rental Forum and the Manchester Citizens Advice chatbot.

Previously, the foundation funded projects through grant applications based on specified themes for the year. However, in 2022/23, the trustees adopted a strategy to fund fewer projects but with a broader reach and more significant impact. The first projects under this new approach are set to commence in 2023/24.

Steve Harriott, chief executive of TDS Group, said: "By funding fewer, impactful projects based on research and evidence, we are taking a strategic step toward enhancing standards and achieving more significant change in the private rented sector.

"As we embark on new projects, we continue to promote sustainable practices and responsible renting in the private sector. I’m very proud of the TDS Charitable Foundation's commitment to raising standards in the private rented sector through research, education, and innovative projects. With our dedicated partners and trustees, we continue to drive positive change and ensure a better future for tenants, agents, and landlords."

 
Barratt Homes: Housebuilder Barratt Homes recently partnered with its charity neighbour, Riverside Foundation, to extend financial support to individuals facing poverty this summer. 

The £1,500 donation from Barratt Southern Counties, whose head office is located in Guildford, will help towards tackling the high level of demand for the charity’s diverse range of projects and services. 

Riverside Foundation provides practical support to help people overcome obstacles for a better quality of life, including help seeking employment and training, providing advice and assistance on bills and welfare benefits.

The donation is part of the housebuilder’s Community Fund initiative, funded by the Barratt Foundation, which supports a local organisation each month with a donation, celebrating their efforts in the local area.  

Sandy Murray, Riverside Foundation trustee, said: “We would like to thank Barratt Southern Counties for donating £1,500 to our charity, Riverside Foundation. 

“Already our foundation has made a huge difference to people’s lives, and this generous donation will allow us to continue to invest in a wide variety of community projects that support our customers, their communities and deliver long lasting benefits.” 

Julian Hodder, managing director for Barratt Southern Counties, added: “Riverside Foundation is such an incredibly important organisation within our local community, with their Helping Hands initiative supporting over 2,000 people last year with one off assistance. 

“We are pleased to hear that our donation will be put towards these projects aimed at alleviating immediate crises and helping to improve the charity’s recipients living situations.” 
 

Agents Giving: Supporters of industry charity Agents Giving were out in force to attend two amazing charity events last week.

Participants marked the Agents Giving Golf Day and the industry Dragon Boat Race.

The golf day at the Morley Hayes Golf Resort was hailed a huge success, with wonderful weather and a drinks trolley to keep everyone hydrated.

The event raised just over £15,000, with funds going to MIND and The Trussell Trust food banks. The charity auction was run by Jamie Cooke of iamsold, entertaining guests through the auction lots.

LSL Your Move was the top team, followed by Connells Group and The Guild.

The best dressed award, predictably, was Simon Whale and the longest drive went to Ben Marley of ESTAS.

Giles Hart of Connells Group won the nearest the pin competition and the best individual score on the day.

The event was sponsored by Legal for Landlords, Propoly, Reeds Rains, LSL Land and New Homes, Your Move, Be-Hive Block Management and National Home Move.

Sunday was another sunny day at the annual Dragon Boat Race at Fairlop Waters.

Thomas Morris was this year’s winner, beating fellow finalists Acaboom and LDN. There were some great times on the board with all teams improving on their race time from their first heat. Fundraising from all teams is currently sitting at just over £10,500 with donations still coming in for MIND mental health charity, The Trussell Trust and The Maria Falco Memorial Trust for Breast Cancer.

The other teams taking part were Simply Conveyancing, TDS, Do It for Dom, Acaboom, Kerfuffle, Propertymark, National Home Move, Exp UK, Street Group, Spectre, Thomas Morris, Spicerhaart, Location Location, Help Me Fix, Fine & Country, LDN, Property PR, Relocation Agent Network, Paramount and Charles David Casson Estate & Lettings Agents.

There was also a community team fundraising on behalf of the Maria Falco Memorial Trust as well as the spectators all coming along to cheer on their teams.

The next event on the Agents Giving events calendar is The Great British Property cycle running throughout the month of October.

You join this property industry challenge, log your miles on Strava and help the industry navigate our way around the UK.

Hop on your mountain bike, road bike or static bike, get moving and have some fun. 

Find out more: https://agentsgiving.org/event/the-great-british-property-cycle/
 

Crest Nicholson: Housebuilder Crest Nicholson is sponsoring St Albans City FC for the upcoming season on behalf of the new community at its upcoming Verla development, in St Albans.

Just a mile away from Verla, St Albans City FC has been at the heart of the community for 115 years. 

With the men’s team currently competing in the National League South, the team has recently expanded to include a women’s side for the first time in their history.

With bold ambitions for the team’s success, they are supporting them with the same resources as their men’s first team. St Albans City FC continues to expand, going from strength to strength, securing an attendance of over 2,000 spectators in the past year on multiple occasions, breaking their own all-time records.

Barry Higson, head of commercial at St Albans City FC, said: “We’re grateful to Crest Nicholson for their sponsorship for the season ahead, which will go toward running costs for the club, improving facilities for supporters and help us with our plans for further growth for both the men’s and women’s teams. As a semi professional football club, we rely on support from generous businesses operating within the local area. Thanks again to Crest Nicholson.”

Charlie Joseph, sales and marketing director at Crest Nicholson Chiltern, added: “We are proud to partner with St Albans City FC, who have a longstanding history with the community here in St Albans.

"Local football clubs act as a hub for the area, providing opportunities for friends and families to get together and socialise, and encourage their fans to be active too. We’d like to wish each of their teams good luck for the upcoming season, and look forward to supporting pitch-side”