Great Annual Savings Group (GAS) is looking to further expand its community impact by dedicating resource to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
The Seaham-based B2B cost consultancy has donated more than £45,000 over the last 12 months to its three corporate charities and has also carried out volunteer days in the local community.
With plans to continue the Group’s phenomenal growth over the next 12 months, the GAS Board is keen to accelerate the fundraising momentum it has spent three years building.
Kathryn Brocklesby, 23, has joined the business as CSR Assistant. Kathryn joined the business this week and has brought a wealth of experience in charity fundraising for Butterwick Hospice.
She said: “It has been a whirlwind first week, but I’ve got a feel for the place and everybody has been very friendly and positive about the job I’m here to do.
“The Group already has 100 per cent of staff giving money every month directly from their salary and there is healthy competition between departments to see who raises the most for our charities each year.
“I’ll be working closely with our three charities and I’m looking forward to meeting them all and getting stuck into a strategy for building on GAS’ achievements to date.”
GAS’ three charities comprise: Chester le Street children’s charity Heel and Toe; Sunderland animal rescue and rehoming charity Animal Krackers; and County Durham Foodbank.
“It’s about taking this to the next level,” continued Kathryn, “to galvanise our staff and go beyond that to influence our local community to do more for charity.
“I’ve got a tough task ahead, but one I’m really looking forward to.”
GAS was honoured by two of the charities for monies already donated during July. Heel and Toe renamed one of their treatment rooms after the Group and County Durham Foodbank awarded GAS the Winskill Award for outstanding corporate volunteering and support.
Judith Bennison, Group HR Director, said: “We’re delighted to have Kathryn on board and working on this crucial area.
“It is an expectation of a Great Annual Savings staff member to contribute to the community in which they work and Kathryn will make this easier than ever for them. She will also be a crucial cog for the charities themselves in raising their own profiles.
“It’s a tough task to improve on the 100 per cent donation rate we already have, but Kathryn’s experience and enthusiasm is perfect for the role.”