Each year Design Plus employees nominate a handful of local charities that they’d like to see our annual £1000 donation go to. From the nominations, two local charities are selected to receive a £500 cheque each. We were absolutely delighted to present the donations to Unique Kidz Charity, and The Olive Branch earlier this week.
These two wonderful organisations were selected by the Design Plus directors, Mark and Robin. After a lengthy and thorough review, although a difficult decision Mark and Robin chose Unique Kidz and The Olive Branch. "Both organisations are local to Design Plus and do amazing work within the local community".
Unique Kids and Co
Unique Kidz and co was founded in 2009 by Denise and Jane, two mums who were unable to find suitable childcare for their disabled children. The charity provides both their children and lots of other local children and young people the chance to socialise. Ultimately the aim of Unique Kidz is advance the social and play opportunities of children and young people with additional needs and disabilities and to include their siblings. In 2009, Unique Kidz and co proudly opened their doors to a Summer Holiday Club with over 65 children attending. This is just one of the wonderful services that the charity provides. With now years of experience, the organisation established 4ever unique, a daytime support service and safe place for disabled children and young adults to meet, make friends and be themselves.
The image below is Becki Gordon, our QHSE Administrator who nominated the charity, presenting the donation to Unique Kidz.
The Olive Branch
The Olive Branch has multiple services to support socially disadvantaged people in Lancaster. Their mission is to serve and sport those suffering distress caused by addiction, broke family relationships, poverty and homelessness, and enable individuals and families to resolve and alleviate their difficulties. Their services include a free emergency food bank to families and individuals in difficulty, which relied greatly on the contributions of the local community. A listening service in which adults can seek help, share their problems and receive advice and support, and homeless support for rough sleepers; this includes a referral system to help families and individuals access housing advice and accommodation.
The organisation began in 2004, by serving free meals to the homeless, although it was soon recognised that additional support and a more structured scheme was needed. Now the charity have an open-access center which is open 4 days a week.
Here's Steve Clarke a member of the Design Plus Technical team, presenting our donation to The Olive Branch. Thank you Steve, for nominating a brilliant local charity.
We'd like to thank our employees for nominating some fantastic local charities and also thank both the charities for taking the time to meet with us.
