Agents Do Charity - positive partnerships

Welcome to this week’s Agents Do Charity, our chance to salute those who do so much to help others.

If your agency is doing a little charitable something which we should bring to the attention of the industry, please email press@estateagenttoday.co.uk - and we’ll do the rest! 

Redrow: Housebuilder Redrow is continuing its support of nearby Ashford Rugby Football Club (ARFC) with brand new kits for the new year. 

Redrow South East, currently building a community at Crown Hill View in Ashford, Kent, is supporting the academy. 

Redrow’s sponsorship means each player within the academy, aged between 15 to 18, plus coaches, will have a brand-new, high-quality kit to wear during their training sessions and weekly matches. In addition to brand new training shirts, the donation includes a soft shell jacket, water bottle and other accessories within the ‘goodie bags’. 

Founded in 1885, ARFC has been at the heart of the community for 138 years. Based at Kinneys Field, just a stone’s throw from Crown Hill View, ARFC comprises four adult teams, a ladies’ team, and multiple youth teams. Run by volunteers, ARFC relies on local businesses to help it support residents to have fun and be active.

Ben Fewsdale, managing director of Redrow South East, said: “As part of our commitment to create thriving communities, we’re proud to support Ashford Rugby Football Club and its players.

“Local sports teams play a crucial role in enabling communities to lead active lifestyles and get to know one another. They create a fun, safe environment for both adults and children to learn new skills, that they can transfer to either school or work, and help people make friends for life.

“Ashford is home to a variety of community groups which make the area a great place to live. We know that behind these organisations are volunteers and that many of the organisations rely on the support of local businesses like us to be able to continue. We are delighted to support ARFC and wish them luck for the year ahead.”

Tim Scrivens, coach at Ashford Rugby Football Club Academy, added: “Redrow has been a long-time supporter of Ashford Rugby club, primarily supporting one team of players as they transition through the club. Redrow’s initial involvement, with the team, started in 2019 funding training tops to keep players warm and dry throughout the cold winters, umbrellas for parents, and new, much-needed, equipment to ensure the team was coached safely. Earlier this year, we took the whole squad to The Rugby Youth Festival, Portugal; Redrow's support provided a ‘tour kit’ for all lads with the funding to ensure that no player, who wanted to go, was left behind, providing some players with a once in a lifetime experience.

“This season, Redrow has been even more generous, extending their support to encompass all age groups that make up the Ashford RFC Academy. I’d like to take this opportunity to say a very sincere thank you to Redrow for their continued support, it has really made a huge difference, over the years, to our community. I hope that the collaboration continues for years to come.”

Arun Estates: Agency brand Arun Estates and their brands Cubitt & West, Douglas Allen, Pittis and Wards estate agents have partnered with four local charities as their partners as their charity partners of choice for 2024. 

Every year, Arun Estates and brands, partners with a charity for their agents to raise donations for across the calendar year. This year, the independent estate agent has chosen to split this partnership into four brands. After an internal vote by the agents, all brands have chosen their partners for 2024.

Cubitt & West has chosen The Rainbow Trust, provides emotional and practical support to families who have a child with a life threatening or terminal illness. 

Douglas Allen has partnered with children’s hospice charity Haven House, while Pittis will raise money for Kissy Puppy – The Sophie Rolf Trust which provides support to children on the Isle of Wight suffering from life-shortening conditions.

Additionally, Wards will fundraise for children’s charity Tree of Hope.

Aldo Sotgiu, group managing director, said: “We are beyond delighted to be able to support such a great cause as our charity partner for 2024. The Rainbow Trust is a charity that is close to many of our agents hearts, and our teams already have big plans for some great charity days.”

In recent years, Arun Estates has given more than £2m to charity including Barnardo’s and local foodbanks and pantries. 

Agents Giving: Industry charity Agents Giving is one again on hand to support with your fundraising this year with their grant fund supported by The Guild of Property Professionals. 

This fund exists to help towards the costs of any fundraising challenge or event that you might be organising this year, meaning more of the money you raise goes to your own chosen charities. 

So, if you are organising an event and you incur set up costs Agents Giving can help with a grant of up to £350. 

David Newnes, chairman of Agents Giving, said: “The Agents Giving Grant Fund offers a helping hand with your fundraising events meaning you can raise even more funds for your chosen charities”. 

Last year, more than £600,000 was raised for UK charities via the fund, helping the industry with their fundraising efforts. 

If you are planning your next charity fundraiser you can apply for a grant to assist with your costs, you will also get help promoting your event.  Requests can be made via the Agents Giving website: http://agentsgiving.org/the-agents-giving-grant-fund 

Fine & Country Foundation: The Fine & Country Foundation raised £126,352 over the past 12 months. 

With the money raised as well as additional money already in the pot, the Foundation was able to give away £144,198 during 2023. 

This funding played a crucial role in addressing the economic impact on non-profit organisations posed by the pandemic, the rising cost of living, and global conflicts.

Jon Cooke, trustee of the Fine & Country Foundation, said: "The donations and grants that the Foundation provides play a part in providing essential financial support to many organisations and charities fighting against homelessness and poverty. Without the amazing effort and support of the Fine & Country network and the generosity of the public, the Foundation would not have been able to achieve this milestone."

In 2023, the Foundation awarded over £92,708 to charities through two grant schemes and other programs, benefiting 51 global charities. November saw 23 charities receiving £47,220, while in Spring, 28 charities shared £45,488. The Grant Programme focuses on offering financial assistance to non-profit organisations, providing crucial support to enable these organisations to continue the vital work they do within their communities.

Cooke added: “While the Foundation organises fundraising events throughout the year, many of the agents within the network take it upon themselves to get creative to raise money. Without their effort and support, the Foundation would not have been able to achieve this milestone. I am looking forward to counting down to the £1m mark with our network as we celebrate 10-years of proactive support and fund-raising this year.”

Crest Nicholson: Housebuilder Crest Nicholson is supporting local team Southbrook YFC, with the donation of brand new kit for the football season.

It has donated new kits for Southbrook Y.F.C Saints Under 18s, on behalf of the community at its nearby Centenary Quay development in Southampton, Hampshire, just under 20 minutes from the training ground of Southbrook YFC. 

Eileen Guihen, sales and marketing director at Crest Nicholson South, added: “We are really proud to support Southbrook Y.F.C Saints Under 18s, who form a crucial part of the community in Southampton. Getting involved in local sports helps to build stronger, healthier, happier, and safer communities, along with helping children to develop key skills and make friends for life. We wish the team the best of luck for the season ahead.”

Clive Yeates, team manager at Southbrook Y.F.C Saints U18s, added: “We’re incredibly grateful to Crest Nicholson for providing such a generous donation of new kit as we start this season, and it’s fantastic for our players and club to build a relationship with such a high-profile company. We are a family friendly community football club based in the heart of Southampton, offering professional football coaching, and have over 20 teams between the under 7 and under 18 age groups, including two girls’ teams.”