In June 2023, employees from Shire Leasing (a top UK 50 asset finance company based in Tamworth) raised and provided donations for Tamworth Food Bank and The Hygiene Bank, two charities supporting local people in need from Tamworth and wider communities. Shire Leasing often supports charities and good causes, with its staff of over 170 employees taking part in quarterly charity support days. In 2022, the business finance company donated £4,103.50 to charities.
In January 2023, 92% of UK households reported that their cost of living had increased in the last year and more people have needed to use food banks to support themselves and their families. Tamworth Food Bank, supported by The Trussell Trust, are committed to combating poverty and hunger across the UK. Between January 2022 – January 2023, Tamworth Food Bank distributed over £120,000 worth of food to local people in crisis.
Commenting on the day Cliff Knott, the HR Manager at Shire Leasing, said: “We have worked with Tamworth Food Bank for many years and, more recently, with The Hygiene Bank so we know just how important these donations are and the difference they will make to many families and individuals who are facing hardship. Inflation and rising costs are impacting everyone at the moment, so we’re extremely proud of the team to pull together and voluntarily donate so much to help others.”
The Hygiene Bank similarly offer support to local people in poverty, by making everyday hygiene and personal care products freely available when low income restricts choices in accessing them. Marie Ballard, Project Co-Ordinator of The Hygiene Bank, responded, “We are blown away by the very generous donation from the Shire staff, it is simply amazing. The donations weighed in at 66.7 kg, so definitely hefty! We have made up a pack to go out to Two Rivers School and the bulk of that pack has been made up entirely from Shire’s donation. This will make such a difference.”
Shire Leasing has also recently introduced a volunteering programme, offering employees two paid working days throughout the year to give their support and gain new experiences by volunteering for their selected eligible charity/good cause. One employee will be lending a hand to Tamworth Food Bank later in July.
To help employees take advantage of the programme, Shire Leasing would welcome any approach from local charities who need help from day volunteers to add to their register of local good causes that are available for employees.
