Across the North East, several businesses are making noteworthy contributions to their local communities through generous donations and support initiatives.
Prominent organisations like JLF Law, iamproperty, Mediaworks, Emmaus North East, and Bloom Procurement Services are leading by example, showcasing the remarkable impact businesses can have when they invest in charitable and community causes.
JLF Law’s Generous Bursary Scheme
Jabad Jaigirdar, the founder of JLF Law in Newcastle, has made a significant financial contribution of £17,500 to establish a bursary intended to assist students from underrepresented backgrounds in pursuing a legal education at the University of Cambridge. This initiative targets students with an annual household income below £62,215, offering vital support towards their tuition and living expenses.
Mr Jaigirdar’s philanthropic gesture is particularly directed at facilitating students’ education at Cambridge’s Jesus College. He expressed his hope that this financial aid would inspire ambitious students from the North East to overcome financial barriers and pursue rewarding careers in law. He stated: “My father was a first-generation immigrant, and I was a first-generation university student, so I know first-hand how beneficial this type of financial support would have been throughout the course of my further education if I had access to it.”
Iamproperty’s Dedicated Philanthropy
Iamproperty, a leading property technology firm, successfully raised £2,700 for the Tiny Lives charity through various summer activities. A significant portion of this fundraising came from their annual Family Fun Day, held at Newcastle Racecourse, bringing together employees, family, and friends for a day of fun and charity.
The firm’s co-founders, Ben Ridgway and Jamie Cooke, played active roles in the event, even adding a circus twist by dressing as clowns. An additional £200 was raised as colleagues participated in the Total Warrior challenge in Leeds.
According to Mr Ridgway, “Tiny Lives Trust has been our charity partner for the last few years, voted for again and again by our team. Raising as much money as possible for them each year is really important to us, and our annual fun day is a big part of that.”
Mediaworks Supports The Turing Trust
Mediaworks, a digital marketing agency, has taken significant strides to support educational opportunities by donating IT equipment valued at over £20,000 to The Turing Trust.
This donation includes nearly 100 laptops and various accessories, directly benefiting underserved communities in Africa who require access to digital technology to enhance educational outcomes.
Mediaworks’ CEO, Brett Jacobson, emphasized the alignment of the agency’s ethos with the Trust’s mission to equip students with the necessary tools for learning, reiterating their commitment to innovation and social responsibility. He stated, “At Mediaworks, we believe in the power of technology to transform lives.”
Emmaus North East’s New Partnership
Emmaus North East has initiated a partnership with Anxious Minds to address mental health needs within the homeless community, backed by a grant from the Newcastle Building Society Community Fund. This collaboration provides immediate access to professional mental health services, significantly reducing waiting times for those in urgent need.
Emmaus, which provides holistic support to individuals experiencing homelessness, welcomes the integration of these counselling services as a way to bolster their comprehensive support system, ensuring timely and confidential assistance is available.
Donna Stubbs from Newcastle Building Society commended Emmaus, highlighting its crucial role in combating homelessness and affirming the Society’s strategic commitment to community support, including initiatives tackling food poverty, the environment, and debt management.
Bloom Procurement Services’ Military Honour
Bloom Procurement Services in Gateshead has been recognised with a Covenant Gold Award for their unwavering support for the Armed Forces community. The company, which provides a public sector supply platform, had previously achieved a Silver Award and has been encouraged by its Defence Recognition Partner to strive for excellence.
The Gold Award reflects Bloom’s commendable commitment to promoting diversity and creating employment opportunities, aligning with their core values of social responsibility. Ben Stevenson, chief of staff, remarked on the significance of this achievement, acknowledging the valuable skills and dedication of service personnel, which dovetail effectively with Bloom’s ethos.
Participating in this recognition scheme has allowed Bloom Procurement Services to advance its sustainability goals and join a network of businesses similarly committed to supporting the Armed Forces.
These endeavours by North East businesses exemplify a collective commitment to fostering positive change and supporting those in need.
Through strategic collaborations and philanthropic efforts, these companies not only contribute to immediate needs but also pave the way for sustainable community growth.
