A unique approach
Virgin Management Ltd has been a force for good by launching Virgin Unite into the world in 2005 and by contributing time, money and in-kind donations to support the social sector.
Their approach is unique because Virgin Management Ltd is committed to using the skills and experience of its employees to create bigger futures for young people. The business gives all staff a paid day’s leave to enable them to get involved with work in the community.
This equates to 250 volunteering days – a year’s worth of time, supporting many young people to achieve their full potential and meet their aspirations.
What do they support?
|
• |
The Adam Dealey Foundation working in partnership with Bone Cancer Research Trust (BCRT) |
|
|
The Adam Dealey Foundation was founded in 1995 by John and Marian Dealey after the untimely death of their youngest son Adam. He was only 10 years old and one of only 50 or so children throughout the UK who are diagnosed each year with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a disease where cancer cells are found in the bone and soft tissue.
The Foundation is close to the hearts of staff at Virgin Management Ltd – John Dealey is a Facilities and Properties Manager at the Company. All funds raised go to the Bone Cancer Research Trust (BCRT) of which John is a Trustee. |
|
• |
Starlight Children’s Foundation |
|
|
This charity grants wishes to seriously and terminally ill children and entertains over half a million children every year in hospitals and hospices throughout the UK. All of Starlight’s activities are aimed at distracting children from the pain, fear and isolation they can often feel as a result of their illnesses. |
Work with Virgin Unite
Virgin Management Ltd is the lead supporter of Virgin Unite and funds our overheads. Doing so means 100% of additional donations received go directly to connecting people and entrepreneurial ideas to make change happen, where it’s needed most.
None of our work would have been possible without the generous support of Virgin Management Ltd.
Virgin Management’s current volunteering programme, developed in partnership with Virgin Unite, offers staff a variety of options to support charitable organisations and young people to achieve their goals and aspirations, including:
|
• |
Hit Squads: Teams from across the business support young people’s charities with a strategic challenge |
|
• |
Inspiration Clinics: Supporting young people with their job search or developing their business ideas |
|
• |
Coaching and Mentoring: Working on intensive six-week projects
|
Impact?
In April 2011, four Virgin Management Ltd employees ran the Virgin London Marathon in support of The Adam Dealey Foundation, Starlight Children’s Foundation, The Winnicott Foundation and Small Steps. They raised £28,000 for the charities.
|
• |
The Adam Dealey Foundation |
|
|
Every year they support The Adam Dealey Foundation’s Annual Golf Day and Gala Dinner. A total of 23 staff also ran in support of the Foundation in the Royal Park’s half marathon in October 2011.
Virgin Unite have provided on-going support and consultancy to Virgin Management Ltd’s charity partner the Bone Cancer Research Trust, including marathon fundraising, strategy development and events. |
|
• |
Starlight Children’s Foundation |
|
|
Virgin Unite, along with a group of Virgin Management Ltd volunteers, led a Give Time Hit Squad that supported the organisation to develop an exciting new fundraising campaign - The Starlight Christmas of Happiness. Starlight believes that every child deserves to have a happy Christmas. Unfortunately, they estimate that at least 20,000 children will spend time in hospital over the festive season.
The new campaign is about restoring the magic of Christmas for these seriously and terminally ill children and VML employees will be helping them bring festive entertainment to children’s wards throughout the UK this Christmas. |
Sir Richard Branson also helped grant a wish for flying enthusiast Gurmukh, one of the young people supported by the charity who was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer. Armed with an invitation from Sir Richard Branson, Starlight organised for Gurmukh to visit New Mexico to see the launch of the new SpacePort USA. Along with the world’s media and a small group of invited guests, Gurmukh watched the test flight of the first ever commercial space liner, Virgin Galactic’s White Knight Two.
Here’s what they are saying:
John Dealey, Facilities and Property Manager, Virgin Management Ltd, said:
“I am very grateful for the support that Virgin Management Ltd and Virgin Unite provide to The Adam Dealey Foundation and The Bone Cancer Research Trust. Without that support, I know that I would not have been able to achieve what has been accomplished. It’s the support which has kept me going. Together we have made, and are continuing to make, a difference in both creating awareness and raising funds for research into the treatment of bone cancer.”
Sarah Dawson, Head of Corporate Fundraising, Starlight, said:
“Virgin’s support will bring Starlight a big step closer to our dream … to offer a magical wish to every child diagnosed with a life-threatening illness across the UK.”
Carla Stent, Chief Operating Officer, Virgin Management Ltd, said:
“The awareness of the social issues has become more topical in recent months, and the need and desire for those who are better off to give back to society has never been greater. Virgin people have always been generous with their time and money. Unite have provided us with a framework that will ensure that we have the greatest impact. Not only do these activities benefit the communities in which we live and work, but they are also important in cementing relationships and loyalty across our employee base. Building on the Virgin brand heritage, we are currently focusing on the plight of young people and, in partnership with Unite, we hope to demonstrate that business can be a force for good.”
To learn more about the partners Virgin Management Ltd support, please visit: