A Willmott Dixon team member has raised almost £30,000 for a Kent-based hospice charity. Each year each part of the Willmott Dixon business undertakes the Trainee Challenge, which involves all trainees within that part of the business giving back to the community. This year, Holly Falzon, assistant project manager, led the Willmott Dixon Construction South Trainee Challenge in support of Hospice in the Weald. Hospice in the Weald is a Kent based charity that provides support to those with terminal/life-limiting conditions as well as their families.
After collaborating with the hospice, Falzon identified a need to renovate some of its charity shops to enhance spaces that play a crucial role in funding its services.
Hospice in the Weald operates over 30 shops, which collectively sold 1.68 million items last year. To meet rising demand and increasing care costs, the hospice must raise £9 million annually, with only 13% of funding coming from the government and the remaining 87% relying on community support, primarily through its shops.
The renovation works included paint and decoration, new flooring, additional storage spaces, new configuration of internal walls to maximise floor space and much more, transforming the outdated, unusable space to modern and vibrant shops to improve both customer and volunteers experience. The results were immediate as the shop achieved a record number of sales with customers praising the improved shopping experience within the first week of reopening.
“We were generously supported by our supply chain partner, LDC Projects who donated materials, labour their time and expertise,” says Falzon, who wanted to go further.
“I aspired to extend our support, so I organised two fundraiser events. I collaborated with Silverhand Estate, Kent’s largest organic vineyard spanning 900 acres in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This award-winning vineyard generously hosted a successful fundraiser featuring estate tours, wine tasting, a buffet and a raffle.
To conclude the challenge, I organised a “Clash for Care” football fundraiser where we had 12 teams compete for the winners trophies.”
In total, through a combination of renovation works, partnerships and events, the team contributed £28,228.45 to Hospice in the Weald.
“I am extremely overwhelmed by the support I received from my colleagues and our Supply Chain Partners and I am pleased that we had such a positive impact on the local community and the hospice.
