When we saw the appeal by the Aspinall Foundation, which comprises Port Lympne Safari Park, wild animal reserve and hotel and Howletts wild animal park in Kent, calling for the support and generosity of the local community, we knew we had to help. In light of COVID-19, the foundation charity, which supports wildlife conservation, was desperate for tradespeople, suppliers and friends to donate time, skills and expertise– three things that many of our furloughed workforce had. What better way to bring the two together – helping out the Aspinall Foundation, but also giving the team in Kent a focus and feel-good factor, a volunteering challenge during furlough and a chance to use their skills for a good cause. When local Business Manager Richard Croucher approached his furloughed team to see if they were interested in volunteering, he was blown away by their response.
The teams surveyed the work, socially distanced, and agreed to take on the refurbishment of the wonderfully named Giraffe Cottage, carrying out the replacement of light fittings and extractor fans, carpentry repairs including new front and back doors, bathroom repairs, a new floor in the kitchen diner and redecoration of all the rooms.
We are so pleased to have been able to pull together to help the wildlife park, supporting them as they try to survive these tough times. A huge thank you to the Ian Williams team and our suppliers for the donation of their materials and time, including Edmundson Electrical, Sylvan Joinery and RJA flooring.
Volunteers
Upper left – Kursad Yozcu; Kneeling left – Stelian Florea; Aaron Fisk; Richard Croucher; Ian Needle – Aspinall foundation; Lance Newman; Shaun Packer; Neil Noton (Kneeling); Olabode Fabiyi; Kieren Cork; Antoni Di Stefano
Not photographed: Joe Allen; James Flinn
