National Cares Day in Wales

130 employee volunteers were out across Wales last week to support environmental projects as part of Cares Day, a national initiative organised by Business in the Community that has mobilised over 4000 employee volunteers in 24 towns and cities all over the UK.

The Cares day was an excellent way for us to work together as a team away from the office environment and with other businesses, while at the same time supporting a local community initiative. 

In Wales 130 volunteers from twelve companies supported five projects in Cardiff, Caerphilly, Newport and Wrexham.

Cardiff

The 65 volunteers in Cardiff worked together to tackle environmental projects at Trelai Primary School and Greenfarm Hostel in Ely.

Developing a woodland area for outdoor learning – with the help of a rotavator donated by Speedy Hire - was on the agenda at Trelai Primary, while the team at Greenfarm helped to develop the existing garden into an allotment to help residents gain horticultural experience and an understanding of healthy eating.

Caerphilly 

A 12-strong team from Utility and Environmental Solutions were at Ysgol Y Castell, Caerphilly where they created an insect tower and butterfly area and raised flower beds.

Newport 

While in Newport, 13 volunteers from Monmouthshire Building Society spent the day helping to restore and conserve an area of heathland at Ruperra Conservation Trust.

Wrexham 

In Wrexham, 40 volunteers supported St Anne’s RC Primary School in Caia Park where they built raised flower beds, painted fences and play equipment, as well as built benches in the play area and painted markings onto the playground.

Owen Evans, Business in the Community, Director Wales said: “Business in the Community mobilises business for good. The Cares Day has made a significant impact in just one day and highlights the importance of collaborative action between community and business.

Morale, motivation and personal development 

“It has not only benefited the local communities, but also provided an excellent opportunity for participating businesses to boost team building, staff morale, motivation and personal development.”

Adrian Price of Greenfarm Hostel said: “The support we have received from the business volunteers has been fantastic and we are delighted that they have achieved so much in just one day.  The work undertaken today will make a huge difference to the residents at the hostel.”

XL Wales and the Energy Saving Trust also held interactive workshops for pupils and parents at Trelai Primary School and handed out energy efficient light bulbs.

National Cares Day has Metro as its Media Partner and is supported by the Energy Saving Trust and Golley Slater.

Participating businesses 

Participating businesses were British Gas, Eversheds, Legal & General, Zurich Financial Services, Utility and Environmental Solutions, Monmouthshire Building Society, Arriva Trains Wales, Cadbury Trebor Bassett, Airbus, De Vere St David’s Park Hotel, North Wales Police and Scottish Power.