Hellmann Worldwide Logistics Limited UK chose Simon’s Heroes as its charity partner back in August 2018 after the local charity received the most votes from employees at their Burton and Lichfield branches.
Each year, employees at Hellmann’s branches in the UK nominate a small, grassroots organisation to be its charity partner for 12 months.
Simon’s Heroes will use the money raised to enhance the lives of local children with life-limiting illnesses.
The £6,000 raised for Simon’s Heroes was generated entirely from employee contributions through a variety of fun activities designed to bring teams closer together and raise cash for a local good cause simultaneously. Activities included the implementation of a casual Friday initiative for charity, bake sales, raffles and sponsorship for events including a pizza-eating contest kindly sponsored by Pizza by Goli Lichfield.
The generous donation will be used to fund several projects including the cost of a Cruiser Transit specialist pushchair for 13-year-old Lewis Toon from Tamworth who has Microcephaly, a rare birth defect where the head is smaller than normal. He has learning disabilities and limited mobility.
It will also fund the cost of medals, trophies and the hire of a swimming pool for Tamworth Unicorns’ annual swimming gala. Tamworth Unicorns is a charitable, voluntary organisation that provides a safe and secure environment for children with varying degrees of disabilities, to learn to swim. Remaining funds will cover the cost of a garden swing for 13-year-old John Bielawski, who has cerebral palsy and autism.
Over the next 12 months, employees at Hellmann branches across the UK will embark upon an ambitious fundraising effort for three small charities based in the communities in which they operate. The charity partners chosen are The Ups of Downs (celebrating Down syndrome and working with families), SNAP (Special Needs and Parents) Charity and Barnabus, a Manchester based charity supporting the homeless and vulnerable.
Andy Connor, Managing Director at Hellmann Worldwide Logistics UK commented:
“We are delighted by our team’s commitment to supporting their chosen local charity, Simon’s Heroes. Since the inception of our charity of the year initiative devised by employees at our Lichfield branch in 2015, I am thrilled that our 250 strong UK team has generated £20,000 for local charities. As we look forward to our fifth consecutive year of supporting local good causes, we remain committed to generating even more funds and raising the profile of their work.”
Since its foundation in 1871, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics has developed into one of the largest international logistics providers. With 10,696 employees, the Hellmann Group generated consolidated sales of around 2.5 billion EUR in 2018. The range of services includes classic forwarding services by road, rail, air and sea freight, as well as a comprehensive range of CEP services, contract logistics, industry and IT solutions.
Simon’s Heroes Chairman, Justin Haywood, said: “A phenomenal amount raised by Hellmann employees! We are delighted! Thank you so much to everyone that gave their time and took part in the fundraising activities. The generous donation will be put to good use and help make a difference to local families.”
