Chester Race Company has helped Westlake move closer to the finish post by donating the time and wages of 10 members of staff to help with the horticulture and kitchen garden part of our development.
The Race Company staff put in a full day’s shift constructing a polytunnel, which will be used for growing vegetables as part of our training and education services.
The workers came to Westlake after we were named as one of eight charities to receive help under Project 1000, a Corporate Social Responsibility scheme which sees Chester Race Company staff members commit 1000 volunteering hours to charities in the local area each year.
Every member of the organisation’s 140 staff takes part in the scheme and the work is done in company time.
Westlake co-owner David Haycocks said: “We are so grateful to Chester Race Company for their generosity and to the staff who took part so enthusiastically to help us. Constructing the polytunnel would have been a real struggle without their hard work.
“The polytunnel will be part of our horticulture and kitchen gardens which will be a lovely place to visit and will also offer local people – especially the elderly and those with learning needs – the chance to help maintain them, stay active, learn new skills and pass on experience.”
Chester Race Company’s Charity Coordinator Jeannie Chantler said: “We believe strongly in conducting our business in a socially responsible manner and part of that is offering practical help to charities that bring benefits to the whole community.
“Westlake will bring fantastic advantages to Cheshire, not just for the people who use the therapy services but everyone in the area. I know the staff who took part got a lot out of the day and as a company we were delighted to be able to help.”