Coronavirus has affected every part of society in one way or another – but the charity sector has been especially hard hit.
With charity shops around the country ordered to close, and hundreds of critical fundraising events forced to cancel, groups offering vital support to millions of vulnerable people are struggling to survive.
But one of the most heartening things to come out of the long and difficult pandemic is the spirit of generosity that’s seen thousands of businesses and members of the public step up and help charities in need.
At warm-edge experts Edgetech, and parent company Quanex, this is seen as so important that they’ve identified the community as one of four key stakeholders they place special emphasis on caring for, along with their customers, employees and shareholders.
Mindful of this, during this difficult period the employees of the Coventry-based firm have donated hundreds of urgently needed food and cleaning products to their local foodbank, whose services have been more in demand than ever in recent months. Quanex matched the physical donation with an £800 financial contribution.
Edgetech have also raised money for Myton Hospice, a local charity supporting people with terminal illnesses. Among other fundraising activities, staff took part in a ‘Wear it festive’ day, dressing up in garish Christmas clothing in return for donations.
Some of the company’s usual charitable activities were disrupted by the pandemic, but they found other ways of continuing to support the same important causes.
Edgetech would normally support the coffee morning held by Macmillan Cancer Research each year, but in order to encourage social distancing the company encouraged individuals to take on sponsored challenges during the month instead.
With staff members giving up alcohol, losing weight, or in the case of Head of Technical Development Gary Shoesmith, walking the equivalent of the distance from his house to the Coventry office, the company managed to raise £410 for Macmillan during the month.
In previous years, Edgetech has also purchased holiday cards from respected glazing sector charity GM Fundraising. This year, since so many people are working from home, the company opted to send digital messages instead – but made a financial donation and purchased a special rainbow print to make sure GM, and Hope House Children’s Hospice, didn’t lose out on their usual support.
“At Edgetech, we’re all very aware that we’re in a relatively fortunate position,” comments Managing Director Chris Alderson.
“Many sectors of the economy have been devastated by the pandemic, with thousands of businesses in leisure, travel, tourism, hospitality and retail forced to close entirely.
“That meant that this year, we felt it was more important than ever to support the vital causes and organisations who do so much to help millions of vulnerable people throughout the UK.
“We want to thank all the local charities who’ve continued to do fantastic work in extremely difficult circumstances this year, and we look forward to continuing to support them in 2021”.
