Agents Do Charity - supportive September

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.

Conveyancing Foundation: Industry charity the Conveyancing Foundation has reached the £1m fundraising milestone.

It follows numerous fundraising events, industry challenges and the unwavering support of legal practices participating in the Conveyancing Foundation Charity Lotto.

To enter the Charity Lotto clients make a £10 charity donation at the end of their property transaction for a chance to win the monthly prize draw of £500. Almost 80% of clients take part in the Lotto, with the participating legal firm choosing which charity they would like their donations to be paid to. 

Chairman Lloyd Davies said: “This collective charity fundraising effort is amazing and it is truly heartwarming to see how our conveyancing community has come together to achieve this fantastic charity fundraising milestone. The impact of our collective contributions to various charitable causes is immeasurable and reflects the goodwill that defines the conveyancing profession.

“The industry fundraising challenges have been epic over the years, from the Matterhorn Challenge in 2015 to the most recent Earthquake Appeal this year, collectively the conveyancing industry raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for charity. Thank you all for your hard work, generosity and camaraderie. Helping those less fortunate than ourselves is so great for the soul.”

Wards: The 20th annual Wards Children's Awards, a celebration of remarkable children, young people, families, and charities across Kent, has concluded, leaving a lasting impression of hope and inspiration.

The event honours those who have triumphed over adversity, displayed exceptional courage, and made significant contributions to their communities.

The winners were: 

DAISY CHERRY-MATTHEWS - Triumph Over Adversity (Age 0-5)
Five-year-old Daisy Cherry-Matthews is a shining example of unwavering resilience. Despite being born with Apert Syndrome, Daisy has undergone eight surgeries while managing a learning disability, autism, and severe speech issues. Her remarkable journey to school last year radiated joy and courage, making her a true beacon of hope.

ETHAN WELLS - Triumph Over Adversity (Age 6-11)
Ethan Wells demonstrated extraordinary strength when he faced a diagnosis of Severe Aplastic Anaemia in 2021. Through bone marrow transplants and gruelling treatments, he has displayed remarkable bravery, inspiring his family and all who know him.

HALLIE ROBB - Triumph Over Adversity (Age 12-16)
At the age of 12, Hallie Robb has already overcome a lifetime of challenges. Born visually impaired and battling Osteopetrosis, she underwent life-altering chemotherapy at just six months old. Today, she is learning braille, crafting her own stories, and nurturing dreams of becoming a writer. Her spirit and determination earned her the Triumph over Adversity award for ages 12 to 16.

BETH CREEDEN - Young Fundraiser of the Year
Nine-year-old Beth Creeden's selflessness shines brightly. She raised an impressive £1,605 by completing a triathlon for Designability, a charity providing Wizzybug wheelchairs to disabled toddlers. Her dedication is fueled by her cousin Ollie's experience with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, ensuring that more children like Ollie can enjoy the freedom of a Wizzybug.

THEO OAKLEY - Remarkable Achievement
Despite being born blind due to Norrie Disease, Theo Oakley has emerged as an exceptional musician and producer. He has conquered substantial barriers, learning music and studio production
skills tailored to his needs. Theo's passion and ability, particularly in music, have left an indelible mark, earning him the Remarkable Achievement award.

BONNIE LOUISE CROUCH - Exceptional Young Carer
Nine-year-old Bonnie Louise Crouch's quick thinking saved her mom's life during a diabetes-related seizure. She is a dedicated young carer, providing crucial support for her family amid her mom's depression and anxiety. Bonnie's actions, including administering insulin and calmly handling the situation, demonstrate her selfless devotion and impact.

PUZZLES - Outstanding Charity
Puzzles, born from determined parents, connects families living with autism and various disabilities across Medway and beyond. This active tribe offers social support, assistance with education, and form filling. With dedicated trustees fostering belonging and understanding, Puzzles has become an Outstanding Charity, making a significant impact on countless families in Kent.

THE ROBERTS FAMILY - Courageous Family
The Roberts family, consisting of young sisters Lucy and Isabella and their mom Nikki, exemplify courage in the face of adversity. Battling cancer, they stood strong, with Dave Roberts enduring an incurable form of cancer while Nikki underwent her own treatment. Isabella and Lucy became young carers during this tumultuous period, displaying unmatched strength and determination. Their story serves as a testament to love conquering all, even in the darkest times.

Find out more: https://www.wardsofkent.co.uk/about-wards-of-kent/the-wards-childrens-awards/

Nicol & Co: Worcestershire independent agent Nicol & Co’s community fund has topped £50,000.

The scheme began in 2021, donating  £12,000 to local community groups in its first year.

The firm provided twice as much support in 2022, with a total of £24,900 and has donated another £13,200 so far this year.

Managing director Matt Nicol, who founded the business in 2009, said: “Helping people buy and sell homes, I’ve always felt rooted in our community and this motivates me to make a difference wherever possible.

“I spearheaded a crowdfunding effort in 2014 that saw £16,500 raised to rebuild a children’s play area in The Lido Park in Droitwich after an arson attack and it’s always good to see families still having great time there nearly ten years on.

"More recently we donated £100 to the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Trust for every instruction that signed up during the Coronavirus pandemic and gave Amazon tablets to three local primary schools to support online and remote learning.”

"This led to the establishment of the Nicol & Co. Community Fund which has now donated more than £50,000 to community organisations and projects across the county."

So far, the Community Fund has helped a wide range of beneficiaries including schools, community groups and local animal charities, alongside the more familiar Worcestershire Homeless Appeal, the foodbanks in Droitwich, Worcester and Malvern, Acorns and St Richard’s Hospice and the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust.

"Another one of Nicol & Co.’s successful initiatives, earlier this year, was the Big Worcestershire Garage Sale with more than 30 streets signing up to join together to declutter their homes and sell unwanted items as part of a mass event.

Matt added: “This was so successful for the first attempt that we aim to repeat it every year now. Our community involvement will always be an essential ingredient in our business model – it’s in our DNA.”

Find out more: https://www.nicolandco.co.uk/community-fund/

Hamptons: Staff from Hamptons spent last weekend raising money for its charity partner, Mind, with 12 of its employees, including the executive team, embarking on the National Three Peaks Challenge. So far they have raised a whopping £20,555 with more to come. 

The challenge involved climbing three major peaks, starting with Ben Nevis, then moving on to Scafell Pike, and finishing with Snowdon, all within 24 hours.

It was a physically challenging adventure with a total walking distance of 23 miles and an ascent of 3,064 metres, not to mention the total driving distance of over 450 miles.

Members of the Hamptons team who took part included managing director Lesley Cairns, head of lettings Catherine Westerling and head of sales and residential Mary Beeton among others.

Lesley said:“At Hamptons, we understand how important mental health is, and the devastating impact poor mental health can have on those that are suffering with it - as well as on their friends and families. It sits close to our hearts and as a business we feel very passionate about doing what we can to help raise money and awareness for the worthy cause.

“The Three Peaks Challenge has allowed us to come together to do just that, I am extremely proud of everyone who took part in the challenge and I am very grateful to everyone who donated towards it – contributing to our £20k total. Since partnering with Mind in May 2022, we have raised a total of £72,710, and we are committed to carry on doing what we can to support this great cause.”

Find out more and donate:  https://www.justgiving.com/team/hamptons-three-peaks-2023-team  

Crest Nicholson: Housebuilder Crest Nicholson has purchased new kits for the Bishops Waltham Dynamos Under 12s’ team, on behalf of the community at its Albany Wood development in Bishops Waltham, Hampshire.

Bishops Waltham Dynamos FC has been at the heart of the community for more than 40 years. The U12 team participate in weekly training sessions and play matches every Saturday during the football season, from August to May. Made up of a team of 14 players, who have matches across the south of Hampshire, the 2023 – 2024 season is the U12 team’s first competitive football season.

Stuart Scott, team manager for the U12 team and club secretary for the Bishops Waltham Dynamos, said: “We’re grateful for the generous donation from Crest Nicholson, which has provided our team with some fantastic new kit for the upcoming season. 

“It's great for us to be working with such a high-profile company and fantastic for our players and club to have built a relationship with them. We are a youth football club, providing football to over 200 children every week, which can only run with support of volunteers and generous sponsors. Thanks again to Crest Nicholson for the amazing support.”

Eileen Guihen, sales and marketing director at Crest Nicholson South, added: “Local sports teams play a huge role in encouraging children and their families to be active, develop vital skills and interact with one another. We are really proud to support Bishops Waltham Dynamos U12 team, who are a focal part of the community in Bishops Waltham. We’d like to wish them good luck for the season ahead."