Leading retirement housebuilder McCarthy & Stone has rounded off celebrations for its 40th anniversary by presenting Royal Voluntary Service with a cheque for more than a quarter of a million pounds.
In 2017, McCarthy & Stone announced it would be celebrating 40 successful years since opening its first development by partnering with Royal Voluntary Service – one of the largest voluntary organisations in the UK and a charity which shares McCarthy & Stone’s values of helping older people and their families to lead happier, longer and healthier lives.
Throughout its milestone year, employees and homeowners took part in a host of events and activities to raise funds for the older person’s charity. An initial target of £130,000 was triumphantly smashed, and a cheque for £269,000 was handed over to the charity’s ambassador, and much loved dancer and choreographer, Wayne Sleep OBE.
David Bridges, Group Sales and Marketing Director for McCarthy & Stone, said: “When it came to commemorating 40 years of enriching lives, it seemed fitting for McCarthy & Stone to show its support for Royal Voluntary Service. Through its network of committed volunteers, the charity makes a real difference to the lives of older people, helping them to stay active and independent for longer; and its fantastic work is therefore very closely aligned to our own aims and company ethos.”
Fundraising events included a golf day, the Berlin Marathon, the Three Peaks Challenge, a Dragon Boat Race and epic cycle rides. The company also received a huge amount of support from homeowners and local communities, with people dropping-in to its developments up and down the country to take part in various activities including Vintage Tea Parties, craft workshops, and choir performances. Suppliers and contractors also backed the housebuilder’s fundraising efforts, with financial donations and their participation in events and activities.
David continued: “It has been a truly remarkable year in the history of McCarthy & Stone, and we are very proud to be presenting Royal Voluntary Service with a cheque for such a considerable sum.”
Catherine Johnstone, Chief Executive Officer for Royal Voluntary Service, said: “McCarthy & Stone’s wonderful employees and homeowners have gone to great lengths and worked very hard this past year to raise £269,000 for us. We would like to say a sincere thank you to them all. The funds raised will make a real difference to thousands of lives, helping to support the services we deliver in hospital, at home and in the community.”
Royal Voluntary Service ambassador, Wayne Sleep OBE, added: “I’m a firm believer in staying active as you grow older – I certainly have no intention of stopping or slowing down – so I fully support Royal Voluntary Service’ focus on helping older people participate and get the best out of life. It is wonderful to see how McCarthy & Stone shares this ethos, and the difference that can be made when everyone comes together for such a worthwhile and heartfelt cause.”
