Member Article

GMI Construction Group highlights benefits to business of Martin House hospice partnership

GMI Construction Group’s partnership with Martin House Children’s Hospice has already raised £66,000 for the charity – while delivering a host of rewards for both the business and its employees.

Lee Powell, Divisional Managing Director of GMI Construction Group – one of the largest independent construction companies in the North and Midlands – said it had gained a great deal from its relationship with the charity, which began in 2012.

He said: “Our social value partnership with Martin House continues to inspire and boost the morale of our staff through the knowledge that they are contributing to a service that makes such a vital difference to children and their families throughout West, East and North Yorkshire.”

He was guest speaker at a GMI Construction Group-sponsored event at Malmaison in Leeds, highlighting the benefits of establishing a social value partnership with the hospice at Boston Spa, near Wetherby, to other businesses and organisations.

So far it has raised £66,000 for Martin House, which provides palliative care for more than 420 babies, children, and young people each year, as well as supporting around 150 families through its child bereavement services.

That money has been generated through a host of events, including golf days, dragon boat races, the Three Peaks Challenge, fun runs and site versus site competitions.

Lee added: “This is not just a tick box exercise in corporate social responsibility. GMI Construction Group and its staff are genuinely supportive and enthusiastic when it comes to raising funds as we know all too well how crucial the care provided is.

“The construction industry helps to create communities but our partnership with Martin House shows how we also support communities – as well as demonstrating the good that businesses can do.”

Benefits of a social value partnership to business include promoting team building, increasing activity and fitness levels through event participation, as well as an opportunity to create a feel-good factor while inspiring employees to support a tangible cause.

The hospice, which earlier this year won a national award for its “inspirational” end of life and bereavement care, relies almost entirely on voluntary donations and fundraising.

Cath Todd, Martin House’s Head of Therapies and Family Support, who also spoke at the event, said: “Engagement with the charity allows a business to motivate, engage, and inspire their team, as well as highlighting their willingness to support the communities in which they operate. It also delivers crucial income that allows us to continue to provide this essential service.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by News Gathering .