insideKENT Magazine Issue 51 - June 2016 | Página 149

CHARITY BUSINESSES IN KENT RECEIVE AWARDS FOR CHARITY SUPPORT © Robin Dawe Companies from Kent were rewarded for their charity support at the annual Demelza Business Awards in May. The annual event is a chance for Demelza to thank its corporate supporters for their fundraising and was supported by Natwest. Kings Hill based Kimberley Clark won the Outstanding Voluntary Project award for their work in the garden at Demelza Kent in Sittingbourne. The team planted, painted and created an outdoor sensory wall and generally transformed the outside area to make it a more useable, friendly space. The Outstanding Corporate Supporter award went to NatWest Commercial which has offices in Bromley, Croydon, Canterbury, Dartford and Maidstone. The company set a challenge to raise £100,000 for Demelza across five regional teams. From skydives to marathons and bike rides to fundraising events with customers, with sheer determination, hard work and dedication this company achieved this formidable target. Medway based Multifire have saved Demelza over £6,000 a year by providing planned preventative fire alarm maintenance to our Kent and Eltham hospices at no cost. Recently, this company went one step further and replaced all of the 259 fire alarm field devices at Sittingbourne, an estimated cost saving of £10,000. This generosity earned Multifire the Corporate Gift in Kind award. Charlotte Jones, new business and accounts executive at Demelza said: “The Business Awards gives us a great opportunity to personally thank our amazing corporate supporters for giving so much time both in terms of fundraising and volunteering. This support makes a huge difference to the services we provide to families across the South East.” LONDON TO CANTERBURY CYCLE CHALLENGE 2016 EMMAUS DOVER OPENS NEW ROOMS FOR FORMERLY HOMELESS PEOPLE Help children with brain injury by taking on the climbs of the Pilgrim’s Way in The Children’s Trust London to Canterbury Cycle Challenge on Sunday 11th September 2016. Described as “one of the best charity rides in the calendar”, the ride gives even the most seasoned of cyclists a thrill with over 1,500 metres of climb between its start in London’s Kidbrooke and finish in Canterbury, Kent. Hot and cold breakfasts will be available to purchase at the start line in Kidbrooke, London, before riders are given a staggered start between 8 and 9am. Choose from a challenging 65- or 80-mile route, both fully signed and marshalled throughout. Riders will enjoy regular and wellstocked feed stations, described by one of our 2015 riders as “the best of any ride I’ve done.” Cyclists can complete the challenge safe in the knowledge that help is always at hand from support and recovery vehicles, mobile mechanics, and first aid, all of whom will be patrolling the ride throughout the day. Panoramic views over Canterbury Cathedral await all finishers, as well as a medal of achievement, plus an exclusive rider goody bag. Cyclists are then invited to enjoy a complimentary sports massage, and can look forward to a BBQ, music, and stands and stalls, as well as complimentary bike cleaning provided by Bike Tart. Friends and family are encouraged to cheer their cycling stars through the finish line, where there’ll be activities for the kids including a bouncy castle and face painting. To secure your place in our London to Canterbury Cycle Challenge 2016, simply visit The Children’s Trust website at www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk/ltc or ring 01737 364323. Enquiries can also be sent to [email protected]. Homelessness charity Emmaus Dover has opened two new bedrooms at its Archcliffe Fort community building to increase their support for formerly homeless people. This increased capacity means the charity is now able to support 27 companions – formerly homeless people who live and work at Emmaus Dover. At Emmaus, companions are able to build skills and confidence, access training, support services and the resources they need in order to get back on their feet. Nigel Gill, a companion at Emmaus Dover, said: “First and foremost, the room is perfect – it is dry, warm, clean and has everything I need. The work side at Emmaus is fantastic too. It is keeping me occupied and gives me the chance to learn.” All of the refurbishment work was carried out by companions of Emmaus Dover, utilising their skills and experience in an effort to increase the capacity of the homelessness charity. Debra Stevenson, community manager for Emmaus Dover, said: “With increased levels of homelessness both locally and nationally we have been working hard to increase our capacity and support even more people. I am really proud of the team effort of our companions in using their talents to help the Emmaus Dover community grow.” To find out more or support Emmaus Dover head to www.emmaus.org.uk/dover. If you would like to get involved or donate an item, please call 01304 204550 or visit the Emmaus Dover