Article date:2 June 2009
Written by:Jose Espinosa
North Somerset charity Goblin Combe Environment Centre has just welcomed its first corporate sponsor. Wrington based company Sustain became the founding member of the charity's corporate membership scheme after learning of the diversity of the charity's work across North Somerset and adjoining authority areas.
As members of the scheme Sustain have sponsored the management of the bronze/iron age settlement located in the charity's woodland as well as committing financial support to two educational programs; Climate Change Barometer and Eco Schools, which are being delivered by the Centre as part of a project with North Somerset Council.
Sustain's core purpose is to help society become environmentally sustainable. We will do this by building a company that develops and delivers holistic solutions, which help solve some of the most pressing environmental challenges. Our success will be based on our core values of business creativity, respecting people and planet, holding a strong belief in our purpose, and developing our people as we develop the company.
Tobias Parker, CEO, Sustain said: "Sustain have been delivering a range of community-based low carbon energy projects over the last four years through our efforts to give something back to the community. But we've been looking for a partner to work with to help educate and spread the good news about sustainability being within our grasp. Becoming corporate members and supporting the two educational programmes at Goblin Combe Environment Centre is a perfect opportunity for this. It reflects our community values and educating a wider audience about the issues of sustainability."
Andrew Tandy, Director of Goblin Combe Environment Centre said: "This is an important day for us, Sustains' decision to become our founding corporate member is a real endorsement of our charity's work and its achievements over the last 12 months." He said that "the financial and volunteering support being provided by Sustain, would go some way to ensuring that those who use the charity's services or woodlands continue to enjoy a high quality experience." He added that recent achievements would not have been possible without the support and commitment of staff, volunteers and trustees and that he wished to thank all of them for their efforts.
Robin Battersby, Chairman of the Board of Trustees commented Goblin Combe Environment Centre said "the charity were pleased that an important local business with strong environmental links had become the founding member of the corporate membership scheme."
In addition to financial support the company has committed each of its 45 staff to providing up to 5 volunteering days over the next twelve months. As part of this, Weston College will be providing all of the volunteers with the opportunity to obtain an accredited award.
Paul Brown, HR Manager Sustain said: "The volunteering element
of the partnership was very important providing staff with a unique
opportunity to develop personal and team building skills outside of
a traditional office environment."
Judi Harper, Entrepreneurial Director of Weston College said that
by linking the volunteering experience to an accredited award the
company will be able to obtain real benefit for individual and
organisational development. She said this really demonstrates how
businesses can use volunteering as part of a more structured staff
development program.
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