The grounds of a Derbyshire end-of-life charity have been spruced up, thanks to employees from a banking company.
A group of four volunteers from TSB's regional team gave up their time to help Treetops Hospice, during the first corporate volunteering activity to take place at the Risley-based charity since the coronavirus pandemic.
They weeded around slabs and jet-washed the patio outside Treetops Wellbeing Space, where patients, visitors, staff and volunteers can sit and enjoy the stunning grounds.
Craig Foster, area mortgage manager for the company in the East Midlands and organiser of the event, had a personal reason to volunteer at Treetops.
He said: “Treetops helped me back in 2019 when my wife died of cancer. The support given to me and my family by the team at Treetops was nothing short of amazing. It helped me move on with my life and helped me to support my children during a traumatic period for us.
“Every year, I am committed to supporting Treetops and, each year, the company gives employees seven hours to volunteer at a local charity. So, you’ll find me back here again next year, supporting the great work that the charity does.
“Volunteering at the hospice has been really satisfying and, for me, the highlight was the cake we received for our lunch!”
Tom, a mortgage advisor for South Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire, said: “It was a great way of bonding as a team and good to know that we’ve made a difference.
“It’s really important for the firm to invest time and give employees an opportunity to volunteer. The benefits of volunteering, personally, are being able to get out in the community and do something different.
“You get an understanding of the good work that’s going on here at the hospice and, mentally, it’s a really positive thing to do.”
Trisha is a mortgage advisor and enjoyed the tour of the hospice grounds. She said: “We were able to see all the rooms from the complementary therapy rooms and the spa bathroom area to the gardens, which are beautiful.
“For me, the benefits of volunteering are two-fold. It’s good to do it as a team; in the jobs that we do, we’re often so busy that we don’t get the opportunity to build relationships and talk about things that aren’t work-related.
“I’d encourage other businesses to get involved. It can really make a difference and there are so many benefits. You’re doing something important, and it matters so much.”
Adela Appleby, Treetops Head of Community Relationships, said: “The grounds at Treetops Hospice are of great importance to patients, volunteers and staff and they are looking so much better as a result of the hard work put in by employees from TSB.
“The volunteers even cleaned the patio furniture, too, generally making the environment nicer for everyone. We welcome other businesses who want to get involved so please get in touch.”
For further information, please call Adela Appleby on 0115 949 1264 or head to www.treetops.org.uk.