Agents Do Charity - zipped up tight, defying the stor...

Whatever the weather, whatever the season, our industry excels itself at good work - and we are always delighted to publicise agents’ efforts.

Just email us at press@estateagenttoday.co.uk and we’ll do the rest - as was the case with this week’s agents working for good causes...

Leeds MENCAP: A total of 38 people from property company Morgans were given the day off work so that they could volunteer at two local charities - Leeds MENCAP and Hollin Lane Allotments.

Managing director Jonathan Morgan came up with the plan to support the charities. “I’m a big believer in helping the local community in which you live and work. Half of our team went to help Leeds MENCAP, where we painted their three activity rooms, and cleaned all the soft play area and ball pit, which is used by the young children who visit the centre.

“The other half of us went to Hollin Lane Allotments, which are supported by Leeds Community Foundation, where we weeded, trimmed, wood-chipped and planted all day long. We also collected wood, built shelters for woodland animals and cut back the hedges alongside the pathways. The aim was to help make the allotments less daunting for older people” he says.

In addition to the volunteering days, Jonathan Morgan is a trustee of Leeds Community Foundation and founded the organisation’s 100 Club which is a special patronage scheme for people who want to make a difference in Leeds.

Jonathan also recently helped to launch a new property development company, with a board of directors that consists of some of the city’s leading property and construction experts, to support the St George’s Crypt charity. The St George’s Crypt Development Company will now provide homes and community facilities for homeless and disadvantaged people throughout Leeds.

Langham Community Shop: Estate agency Palmer and Partners will support the Langham Community Shop in 2017, and managing director John Palmer attended the monthly community cafe event at the store to celebrate the new partnership.

Volunteer Jean Newnham baked a spectacular cake in the firm's distinctive orange and black colours to mark the occasion.

The event also featured a book stall and visits from Colchester council transformation officer Cheryl Hughes to launch the new digital access points and and Essex Fire and Rescue community safety officer to give out advice on safety and encourage free smoke alarm installation.

Barnsley Animal Rescue Centre: Butcher Residential has selected BARC as its primary charity for 2017. As experts in helping people to find a new home in the Barnsley, Penistone and Denby Dale areas, the company has extended its activities to now help to re-home animals.

The company will promote the charity in its offices with collection boxes for money donations, animal toys and blankets. BARC is one of Yorkshire’s largest animal rescue charities providing care and shelter for 100s of abandoned animals in Barnsley, South Yorkshire.

BARC was selected as the charity of choice because of Butcher Residential’s owners’ love of animals. The charity is completely funded by charitable donations so relies on individuals and companies like Butcher Residential to support them. Without the fundraising 100s of animals would have nowhere to go or would never be re-homed.

Butcher Residential will also carry out fundraising events throughout the year including a competition to name their little Olivia Brown terrier sculpture dog, currently known as Barbara.

“We have been helping people to re-home for years and when we came across BARC we thought, let’s help to re-home animals by supporting this charity,” says Ian Butcher principal of the agency.

“As animal lovers ourselves, it’s a concern close to our hearts and we are happy to be able to support BARC in any way we can. Some of our staff have already enthusiastically said they will lend a hand either at the kennels or the shops and there will be collection boxes for money, toys and accessories in the offices. I’m sure some of the animals will find their way into Butcher’s staff’s homes too!”

Warfield Primary School: Children from Warfield C of E primary school have taken a field trip to Woodhurst Park, to contribute to the new Berkeley development by planting a tree that was named after them.

The special event was attended by a group of children and Woodhurst Park site manager, Doug McRae, and Berkeley project manager, Mark Trusller, who all helped to get involved with the digging.

The development has an abundance of delightful character areas include The Village Green, The Orchard Park and The Nature Trail to name but a few, all working in harmony to create a very special new community for all to enjoy.