Evolution Money Embarks on Its First Community Volunteering Initiative

As a B Corp certified company, here at Evolution Money, we believe in the power of community and the importance of giving back. It's not just about financial support; it's about rolling up our sleeves and making a tangible difference in the lives of those around us. This belief led us to participate in an unforgettable volunteering day with Caritas Diocese of Salford, at the Lalley Centre in Collyhurst, North Manchester.

Every member of Evolution Money is allocated to a volunteering team which is sponsored by a board member. Our first team volunteering day was led by Steve’s team (our CEO).

A Day to Remember

Under the bright Manchester sun our team of volunteers embarked on a mission to support Caritas Diocese of Salford at the Lalley Centre, in their admirable efforts of ?providing essential food resources and wellbeing support to the North Manchester community. Our team of 19 dived into a series of activities, from gardening, DIY, and organising food and toy donations, all aimed at enhancing the Centre's ability to serve the community’s needs.

Gardening for Good

The Lalley Centre's allotment and community pantry are vital in offering fresh produce and food items to those in need. Our team took to the soil with enthusiasm, weeding and preparing vegetable beds for new seeds. Broccoli, spinach, and rhubarb were just a few of the seeds planted, promising a bountiful harvest for the Centre to share with the community. But it wasn't just about planting; our volunteers spread a tonne of compost across the allotment, enriching the soil with nutrients essential for the growth of the upcoming harvest.

The team also learnt about the importance of recycling food waste and benefitted from a demonstration of the Ridan composter which is located on-site and is operated by a co-ordinated approach from Raddon Stephenson (Allotment Co-ordinator at the Lalley Centre) and the children from the neighbouring St. Malachy School.

The children transport the leftovers from their lunch over to the allotment, where the food is subsequently broken down into smaller segments and fed into the composter - all whilst singing a special song that recounts the steps of the composting process. This routine is a testament to the Lalley Centre’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, as they bring the art of recycling to life and embed the importance of it at an early stage of the children’s life. ?

More Than Just a Food Pantry

Sorting through food donations and organising the pantry were among the most eye-opening experiences for many of us. The dedication to ensuring that every item found its place, ready to be distributed, was a lesson in patience and the importance of meticulous organisation in charity work.

Catherine Pearson, an Assistant Accountant within our Evolution Money team, reflected on the day's activities: "The day was overall enjoyable. Raddon was informative and gave us a real insight into the project. We got to experience and learn about how the food pantry works and which businesses contribute towards this. The charity offers a lot of support and attempts to combat the underlying issues people may have and support them where possible."

A Legacy of Learning

One of the most striking aspects of the Lalley Centre is its holistic approach to community support. Beyond the immediate provision of food, the Centre educates on sustainability and life skills, even involving local school children in their programs. Witnessing the compost production process and understanding the cycle of growth in the allotment provided our team with a deeper appreciation for the work done by the Centre.

In addition to hands-on assistance, Evolution Money supported the Lalley Centre's pantry with a significant donation of food, which the whole workforce contributed to. To enhance the donation, Evolution Money contributed a further ￡330 for the purchase of 300 additional pantry items; the company significantly bolstered the resources available to the centre, which supports an average of 80 people weekly.

Steve Brilus, CEO of Evolution Money, stated, "Supporting the local community is a principle we hold dear, reflecting our commitment as a B Corp certified company. Our team's efforts at the Lalley Centre not only provided a sense of fulfilment but also impacted the lives of many. We look forward to continuing our support for such vital initiatives."

A Continuing Commitment

This volunteering day is just the beginning; as a B Corp certified company, Evolution Money is dedicated to making a positive impact on society. We're committed to organising more days like this, facilitated through the OnHand app, which will offer our team the chance to contribute, learn, and grow with our local ?community service.

Join Us in Making a Difference

We believe in the power of collective action. As we share our journey and experiences, we hope to inspire others to join us in supporting community initiatives like Caritas Diocese of Salford at the Lalley Centre. Together, we can make a significant impact.

Evolution Money aims to inspire other businesses towards community service, emphasising the importance of corporate social responsibility. The company is excited about future volunteering opportunities, fostering a culture of giving back, and supporting grass root causes.

For more information about Evolution Money and its community initiatives, please contact our ESG Department directly at [email protected] ?