Suffolk Community Foundation (SCF) has been working with Marriott Motor Group for a number of years. Marriott Motor Group has a strong sense of giving back to the local community and wanted to have control over how and where their fundraising efforts were being directed. Setting up a fund with SCF not only gave them this autonomy, but also enabled them to support much smaller local charities and community groups which they might not have previously been aware of.
Marriott’s priority areas of charitable concern were mental health and child welfare. Suffolk Community Foundation was able to assist them in identifying charities and projects that met their criteria. Crucially, Marriott knew that their funds would be used to help local people and organisations in the counties their branches are based, Suffolk and Norfolk.
Over the past two years, Marriott has raised £4,823 to distribute via Suffolk Community Foundation. Staff from their Suffolk and Norfolk retailers participated in various fundraising activities such as ‘Bring your dog to work day’, Christmas jumper days and even a sponsored haircut! They also held a very successful charity quiz at their Ipswich Audi showroom which raised an impressive £3,350 alone.
Marriott Motor Group said: “Partnering with Suffolk Community Foundation has been a rewarding experience for all involved. It was pleasing to know that our fundraising efforts have been entirely for community-based groups and that the funds we provide will make a real difference where it is needed most.”
“Working with the Foundation has provided us with the flexibility to support much smaller local charities and community groups which weren’t necessarily familiar to us. We are confident the funds we provide will make a real difference to these very worthwhile causes in our local area.”
Henry Tapp, Private Client Relationship Manager at Suffolk Community Foundation, said: “It has been a pleasure working with Marriott Motor Group over the last couple of years. The staff across all their showrooms really embraced the varied fundraising activities and there’s no doubt that the money they raised and donated to their chosen charities will have a positive impact on numerous local lives.”
The following organisations will receive funding:
Stowmarket ASD Saturday Clubs
These clubs support children and teenagers aged 5-18 with Autism Spectrum Disorders through youth club-based activities which help the young people to create new friends, try new experiences and learn new life skills to help towards a more independent future.
www.stowmarketsaturdayclub.co.uk
Great Yarmouth and Gorleston Young Carers
Provide vital support for young carers. Their support services provide access to both one to one and peer support and offer the chance for young carers to participate in a range of activities away from their caring role.
Hope after Suicide Loss
Meets the needs of those bereaved by suicide aged 18+ in Suffolk. The service is open-ended and not time-limited therapy.