Zurich And Rok Rise To The Challenge

20 employees from Zurich Financial Services and Rok joined forces this week to make Castlefields Day Service’s allotment in Rhymney accessible for wheelchair users.

The service, which supports adults with learning difficulties, currently uses the allotment to help service users gain horticultural experience and develop social skills, while working in an integrated community environment. 

Organised as part of Business in the Community’s Cares programme – the main business-led volunteering programme in the UK – the team, equipped with diggers, cement mixers, spades and shovels set about digging out pathways and laying concrete to enable wheelchair access to the allotment.

Amanda Wallace of Zurich said: “As one of Zurich’s Building Repair Network providers, Rok already work closely with us, this was a fantastic way to strengthen the relationship away from the office environment.

“We would not have been able to complete the challenge without the technical expertise of the Rok team and we are delighted that we were able accomplish so much in just one day.”

Charlie Scherer of Rok added: “One of our main aims as a business is to support the local communities in which we operate.  The team challenge enabled us to achieve this objective, while at the same time reinforcing the importance of team work, which was key to the success of the challenge.”

John Davies of Castlefields Day Service said: “We are extremely focused on connecting with the local community and businesses and are thrilled that the team worked so hard to make such an impact.

“One of our long term plans is to make the allotment sustainable through a food co-operative and the work undertaken this week will allow all service users the opportunity of working towards this goal.”
 
Tracy Rees, Business Development Manager of Business in the Community said: “Team challenges are a real chance to make a significant impact in a short period of time, as well as providing an excellent opportunity for participating businesses to boost team building, staff morale, motivation and personal development.”