100 volunteers reached in our centenary year!

Posted on: 1 November, 2019

Exactly 100 employees have given something back to organisations in Reading as part of UCEM’s centenary volunteering programme.

The number of staff volunteers hit 100 at the final centenary volunteering event at Cedar Court where they tidied the patio and led on crafts activities and games for the residents.

The volunteering at Cedar Court followed events at Purley Park Trust, Launchpad and Courage Park with staff invited to take part at each.

Purley Park Trust – 5 February

Launchpad allotment – 19-20 March

Courage Park – 2 May

Cedar Court – 15 October

Marking UCEM’s centenary year, the volunteering programme was devised to make a difference to the local community and highlight the staff benefit of a charity day which can be taken as a normal working day once a year.

UCEM Deputy Principal, Jane Fawkes, commented: “It’s very apt that, in our 100th year, 100 employees have taken part in our volunteering programme.

“The programme has worked perfectly, and to get that level of engagement with the volunteering events is testament to the staff here. I feel that it has focused minds on looking after community spaces and making a difference to those less fortunate and in need of support, and it has been a joy reading about, and taking part in, the programme.

“Not only has it increased awareness and support of volunteering initiatives but it has brought us all closer together by working with colleagues across teams doing something completely different. I couldn’t be happier with how it has gone and I hope the experience will encourage more people to take advantage of our charity day going forward.”