Agents Do Charity - exceeding expectations

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! 
 

Lomond: Agency acquirer Lomond has raised £50,000 for homeless charity Centrepoint in the first year of its partnership.

The figure is double the company’s original pledge of £25,000.

Centrepoint provides vital help to young homeless people across England, providing accommodation, health support, counselling and life skills to help them get back on track whether it be with their education, professional development or employment. 

In addition to donations, employees from throughout the organisation got to work with a range of events from sleep outs which saw teams swap the luxury of their bed for a sleeping bag, to auctions, spinathons and more. 

The organisation has raised enough to allow Centrepoint to answer 4,000 calls to its helpline, provide over 3,300 beds and mattresses, provide 1,250 medical assessments, pay for almost 800 textbooks or other learning resources, or pay for a full course of 10 counselling sessions for 50 young people

Ed Phillips, chief executive of Lomond, said: “At Lomond we’ve all been fortunate enough to earn a living from the property market and this has provided us with financial security and stability within our own personal lives. 

“However, the reality is that not everyone is lucky enough to have a roof over their head or a stable home life to return to each evening and this is something I think we’re all guilty of taking for granted at times. 

“No young person should be without a home but it’s an issue that is all too prevalent in our society and one that we see across all of the regional areas we operate within. 

“So our partnership with Centrepoint is one we hold very close to our hearts and I’m overwhelmed at the response we’ve had from every single one of our regional brands in raising an amazing amount of money. It really has been a team effort across the board and while we may operate as numerous regional brands, it demonstrates that we are one family, and that’s a company culture I am incredibly proud of.”

Emma Hodgart, Centrepoint’s corporate partnerships officer, added: “We can’t thank Lomond enough for their incredible fundraising efforts and support over the last year. It has been wonderful to see all the branches come together to raise a phenomenal amount of money, as well as awareness of youth homelessness.  

“Through their incredible donation and support, we will be able to direct funds to where they are needed most and can have the most impact on young people’s lives. This donation could help us provide a full course of 10 counselling sessions for 50 young people, or support 200 young people through our Educational Bursary Scheme, or enable our Helpline staff to support over 1,500 young people facing homelessness into safe homes. 

“Ultimately, this incredible donation will help us strive towards our goal of ending youth homelessness by 2037.” 

Archer Bassett: Midlands-based agency brand Archer Bassett is donating money to charity Cash for Kids for every goal scored at UEFA Euro 2024.

Cash for Kids supports children and young people affected by poverty, abuse, neglect, life-limiting illness and those who have additional needs.

You can also donate to the campaign.

The agent is keen to point out that the commitment excludes penalties, possibly due to England’s track record of winning shootouts.

It has raised more than £700 so far.

Find out more: tinyurl.com/juuebzum

Thomas H Wood: Cardiff estate agent Thomas H Wood is once again supporting its local cricket club as a lead sponsor.

Thomas H Wood, which has a showroom in Whitchurch as well as Radyr, has become the club’s lead sponsor for the next three years, providing financial support to fund the running and upkeep of the club and ground.

As part of the sponsorship, Thomas H Wood has also signed a three-year front of shirt deal with the club.

Whitchurch Heath has four senior league sides and a popular youth section with teams from age 9 up to 15. The club is dedicated to playing competitive cricket in a welcoming, inclusive and social atmosphere in the north Cardiff suburb.

Peter Bryon, Whitchurch Heath chair, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Thomas H Wood for their dedicated long-standing support. It’s the generosity of our sponsors that allows us to provide our members with opportunities and ensure that they take part with the best facilities and equipment possible. The front of shirt deal is an exciting development in our partnership and we can’t wait to see it in action.”

Paul Wood, director of Thomas H Wood, said: “Continuing to support Whitchurch Heath Cricket Club was an easy decision, as it is clear to see the incredible impact they have on the Whitchurch community. We have witnessed the club grow from strength to strength and feel privileged to be a part of their journey and want to support them in every way we can. We look forward to seeing the club go ahead into what I’m sure will be another fantastic season.”

Fine & Country: Prominent property figure in Warwickshire, Jonathan Handford and his dedicated team at Fine & Country Leamington Spa have revealed plans for the upmarket agency brand’s Fine & Country Foundation Golf Tournament.

Taking place on Monday 22 July 2024 at the picturesque Leamington County Golf Club in Warwickshire, the event promises a day of exhilarating golf, fun challenges, and an opportunity to support a noble cause - the fight against homelessness.

Participants can take part in a variety of activities including a putting competition, nearest to the pin challenges, long drive excitement, and honours for the best individual and team performances..

Handford said: "Since its inception in 2014, The Foundation has done some amazing work in supporting charities and people struggling with homelessness and poverty. However, this has only been made possible through donations and fundraising events that have provided the means for The Foundation to able to carry out the work that it does to help those in need. We would like to contribute by organising and hosting an event that will aid a great cause and bring people together to have some fun and a bit of competition. 

"Tickets are limited and cost £100 per golfer, which includes breakfast and coffee on arrival. While the aim of the day is having fun, prizes will be presented at the end, and given the competitive nature of most people in the property sector, we will likely see a tough battle for the top spots," he added.

Interested golfers are encouraged to secure their spot by contacting Jon Handford at 07813 78747 or via email at Jonathan.h@fineandcountry.com.
 

Dandara:  Hawkhurst Fete has received a generous donation to help buy paw-fect prizes for its annual dog show last month from independent housebuilder Dandara, which is building homes nearby at The Russetts.

Hosted by Little Dale Dogs, a local dog grooming service and kennel, the dog show saw locals enter their pets into 10 competitive categories including, Most Handsome Boy, Prettiest Girl, Fastest Sausage Easter, Golden Oldie, Cutest Puppy, Best Trick, Dog Most Like Owner, Best Rescue, Waggiest Tail and Best in the Show.

The donation provided prizes for the winning dogs in each category. The dog show was one of many activities taking place at Hawkhurst Fete, alongside a Bird of Prey show, tips from kite flying experts, performances from local bands and a village raffle, with a grand prize of a helicopter ride.

Margot Shilling at Hawkhurst Fete, commented: “The Fete is such an important part of the community and is a great place to bring everyone together. This year we had a great turnout, and the dog show was especially popular. Without the support of local businesses like Dandara, the fete wouldn’t be as successful as it is.

“We are delighted with the donation from Dandara which helped support the dog show prizes, they all did incredibly well, and the treats were super well deserved!”

Amy Wells, sales manager at Dandara South East, said: “It’s great to be able to support local events in the area as we build relationships with the community. The Hawkhurst Fete is a well-attended event every year and is perfect for friends and families to get together as we enter the sunnier months.

“We are so excited to be sponsoring the dog show prizes at this year’s Hawkhurst Fete, with all of our team being dog crazy! We hope the day was a success and the dogs enjoyed the treats too.”