Today we are joining fellow members of HLB from across the world to celebrate #HLBCommunities day, a global initiative dedicated to highlighting and appreciating the importance of community spirit within the network’s firms and the local communities that they work in and support.
Collectively, the HLB network consists of 29,363 people working in 158 countries. #HLBCommunities is encouraging us all to take the time to appreciate and give back to our local communities.
The Hazlewoods charity of the year for 2020 is Severn Freewheelers. Operating within Gloucestershire, the charity provides an out of hours, free of charge motorcycle courier service to NHS facilities, for the transportation of blood, drugs, samples, X-rays and other medical supplies - an alternative to other transport methods that the hospital would otherwise have to pay for.
In response to COVID-19, the volunteer riders and dispatchers stepped up, enabling Severn Freewheelers to provide a 24/7 service throughout lockdown and beyond.
In a recent congratulatory letter, Michelle Donelan, MP, commented,
"I have recently read of the incredible work which Severn Freewheelers has performed during the pandemic and please accept my hearty congratulations for being named as charity of the year by Hazlewoods. By stepping up to the increased challenges posed by COVID-19, all of your volunteers have been doing a simply wonderful job…Your work for local hospitals, as well as individuals, is inspiring."
To raise money for Severn Freewheelers, we have been donating travel costs during lockdown, making and selling reusable face masks and have taken part in various virtual events. We shall continue our fundraising efforts into next year.
Throughout September, Hazlewoods employees also took part in their annual Step Challenge. In addition to promoting physical and mental wellbeing, teams were united by some healthy competition throughout the month.
15 teams and just over 24 million steps later, we completed our challenge; our combined steps totalled an impressive 12,000 miles – halfway around the world in 30 days! Many employees got out to explore their local communities, from discovering local beauty spots, walking the neighbour’s dog, reuniting and strolling with friends and relatives, through to supporting local businesses with café pit-stops.
Emma Flanagan, HR Associate said,
‘The Hazlewoods Step Challenge motivated me to walk the coastal paths of Pembrokeshire with my partner and his family. It was a great opportunity to get out and appreciate the outdoors, particularly for my partner’s father who had been shielding throughout lockdown.’
People are at the heart of everything we do and we are proud to be celebrating #HLBCommunities day, with the hopes that it helps to shine a light on the brilliant work of Severn Freewheelers and all of the other local community initiatives taking place across the globe.
For more information regarding our international links, visit our webpage here.