Posted on 16th Dec
Newark-based Gusto Community Fund has donated more than £30,000 for 36 charities, projects, and initiatives in the East Midlands.
The fund was launched by Steff Wright, chairman of Gusto Group, four years ago, and in that time has donated more than £130,000 to the local community.
Gusto Group is a purpose-driven group of B Corp accredited companies in the manufacturing, construction, and architecture sectors, including Gusto Construction, Gusto Homes, Rototek, and Studio-G.
Gusto Group employees and residents of Gusto Homes are invited to nominate good causes, projects or initiatives that benefit the local community. Once approved by fund administrators, employees and residents have the opportunity to each assign £250 to one of the nominations via an annual vote.
There are no administrative costs, allowing 100% of the annual grant to be allocated to local community initiatives.
Steff (pictured) is passionate about empowering local causes close to employees’ and residents’ hearts, rather than donating large sums to individual charities each year.
“We’re incredibly proud of the Gusto Community Fund, a unique initiative that empowers our 160 employees across Gusto Group as well as our recent Gusto Homes homeowners.
“The fund gives every team member the chance to nominate charities or local projects that hold a special place in their hearts for us to support. This year, we’re delighted to have donated an amazing £30,000 to help support our local communities.”
A wide range of charities will benefit from this latest fundraising effort, including children’s hospices, sports clubs, animal rescue charities, ambulances, food pantries, church communities, and primary schools.
Earlier this week, the Gusto Community Fund team welcomed representatives from the 36 incredible charities to the Rototek factories and Gusto Group offices to celebrate their inspiring work.
Adam Casserly, a Gusto Group employee who nominated Stepping Stones Charity, said: “Hearing the personal stories and connections behind each chosen charity was deeply moving, a reminder of the positive impact these organisations have, not just on our team, but on the wider community.”
Phil and Jennifer Salathiel, Gusto Homes homeowners who nominated Wildline Wildlife Sanctuary, said: “It was really heartwarming to see all the worthy organisations being able to benefit from such a hugely successful and generous scheme. So glad we were able to be part of it and wishing everyone concerned continued success.”
Kate Baxter, chief executive of Children’s Bereavement Centre, added: “The Gusto Community Fund supports smaller charities in the heart of our community. We are so grateful to the fund and the staff that nominated the Children’s Bereavement Centre, to receive an award which will help to make a vital difference to local grieving families.”
Benefiting charities include: Beaumond House Hospice, Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, Children’s Bereavement Centre, Collingham Food Pantry, Collingham Pre-School, Collingham Village Care, Dementia UK; Halfway Home Dog Rescue, Collingham; In Sam’s Name, Jerry Green Dog Rescue, King’s Mill Hospital Butterfly Room and Child Bereavement, Lincoln Cat Care, Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance, Macmillan Cancer Support, Newark Dementia Carers Group, Newark Emmaus Trust (pictured top), Newark Hockey Club, Newark Mencap – The Avenue, Newark Sea Cadets, North Clifton Primary School, Reach Learning Disabilities Care, Rossington Juniors FC, Shine Lincs, St Barnabas Hospice, Stepping Stones, On Freedoms Wings – Lancaster Bomber A46, Collingham Methodist Church, Newark Community Support; The Well Homeless Support, Newark; Valley Young Person’s Centre, Worksop; Wildline Wildlife Sanctuary, Winthorpe and Coddington Tigers Youth Football Club, Worksop Men In Sheds.
