On a very cold and frosty morning, the hearts of all those gathered to celebrate the achievements of volunteers in 2024 were kept thoroughly warm at the launch of the CMP Social Impact Report 2024.
Hosted generously once again by the splendid Aviator Hotel, this was an occasion to celebrate the collective efforts of hundreds of volunteers, their forward looking senior leaders, managers and business owners who enable corporate volunteering schemes, fundraisers, sponsors and the impact of this unique partnership on thousands of beneficiaries in the community.
Reflecting on the key messages contained in the Report, Chair Paul Edwards emphasised one particular number:
'Incredibly, for every £1 invested in CMP, £1.40 is invested back into the community. That is truly remarkable and it is thanks to all of you here.
2024 has seen well over 1,000 of you provide an impressive 6,100+ hours of gifted labour, equating to over £163,000 of value.'
The third annual Celebration Breakfast enjoyed the company of senior leaders and supporters from almost 50 different companies and organisations, including the Mayor of Rushmoor, Mara Makunara, joined CEO Simon Jarvis and the CMP team.
'What a room we have here: such power and brilliance!', Simon began. All of you should have no doubt, the achievements summarised in the Report are YOURS - are those of a collective - of everyone here and hundreds who aren’t.
Never doubt that your efforts have a positive impact: as the feedback I receive tells me time and time again. Not just on the beneficiaries, this work - your work - has a huge impact on the mental health of workforces as well as those in our communities.
It’s the reason why we will keep focusing our efforts on working with you, our Members, to develop effective, meaningful programmes and in so doing, grow the impact we can have.'
Representatives from several beneficiary organisations including Yateley Industries, Frimhurst Family Home, The Prospect Trust and Brookwood Cemetery, happily shared experiences of the transformational work undertaken by CMP in the year just gone. Karen Jackson, CEO and founder of Chloe’s and Sophie’s Special Ear Fund (CSSEF) gave heartfelt thanks for the contribution CMP had made to the charity:
'CMP volunteer days are simply invaluable to us at CSSEF.
Volunteers have helped so much for example sorting the donations in our large store in Aldershot.
Every aspect is so well organised, helpful and fits into the way we work. Thank you!'
The Celebration Breakfast was also an opportunity to thank those who have gone the extra mile to support CMP. Those receiving the coveted CMP Supporting Superstar Award this year were:
Rebecca Cornthwaite and Chris Gazzard from Blackbushe Airport, without whose vital organisation skills the flagship annual fundraising event, The Twilight Runway Challenge - the most successful in its 15 year history in 2024 - would simply not be possible.
Ruth Pappadakis from Amazon Filters, whose tireless encouragement over the years for volunteering, Twilight and RAISE has been extraordinary.
Mark Sanderson from Farnborough Airport who has galvanised support for volunteering in the community, providing practical and dynamic support for our community programmes on many occasions.
In addition, the contribution of the following CMP supporters was noted:
Ollie Rastall and Source Supplies, sponsors of the Golf Day, Twilight and our honorary paparazzo
Louise Callow and Simone Dixon from Farnborough International for hosting the annual CMP Quiz Night
Lisa and Ben Locke from Signwrite Studios for sponsorship of the Quiz
Rob Lees from The Village Hotel for hosting the CMP team at the Hotel and supporting everything we do!
Paul Adams, Richard Luff and the team at Branston Adams for accountancy services
Dan Adams from Conquest Consultancy for social media services
Geoff Roy from Leapfrog Marketing for all the SEO advice
Karen Sanders from HR Dept for HR advice
The six Member companies and their superb staff who had so readily embraced the inaugural RAISE programme: BMW Group UK, Syneos Health, UKConnect, Farnbrough Airport, Amazon Filters and the Village Hotel
Victoria Trevaskis at The Aviator Hotel and the wonderful staff who had made the occasion such a success
Simon thanked these and the many other individuals who have served, volunteered, participated, contributed, donated and supported CMP over this last year: 'Paul said when we published our first Report that it came gift wrapped in a 1,000 thank yous. As a small local charity, the small but mighty staff team punch way above their weight but we rely on you all - nothing would be possible without your combined efforts.
In 2025 we will continue our mission to challenge, inspire, elevate and influence local people to get involved in taking action to improve the communities in which we live and work.
We are stronger together.'
What a great start to the new year!
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