Social Value

In face of the humanitarian crisis taking place in Ukraine, Bidvest Noonan has launched a Ukrainian Humanitarian appeal to raise much-needed funds for the Red Cross. The charity is working hard in the region to help make a positive impact on the lives of those affected by the conflict.

Teams from across our business have been getting creative and working hard to raise much-needed funds. Many people are also volunteering their spare time to support initiatives across our business.

Bidvest Noonan’s Kasia, Volodymyr, Wojciech, and Adrian, alongside some other volunteers (pictured above) have kindly volunteered their time to help with a massive logistical operation to deliver donations of food and equipment to people in Ukraine affected by the Humanitarian Crisis. Over the past two months, an estimated 50 tonnes of aid has been sent thanks to their efforts.

Some of our colleagues in our Transport business unit have been supporting the Ukrainian Cultural Centre in Manchester. Adam Cardiff, Andy Crabtree, and Keiren Beckley have been volunteering after work to deliver and collect packages of much-needed items for Ukrainian refugees.

Margarita Kostova and colleagues Corina, Jurgita, Villy, and Violeta, raised funds by organising a bake sale and raffle events in our London office recently.

As a business, we are determined to help so we are matching the funds that our teams are raising for this worthy cause.

In our business, we have always strived to be an ethical and sustainable company. This means doing our best to minimise our impact on the environment while maximising the good we do in the societies where we operate.

We want to be bolder and more innovative and continue leading the way in our CSR initiatives. That is why our CSR community has launched Sunrise. Sunrise will focus on four key areas where everyone can contribute to make an impact: Workplace, Environment, Community, and Marketplace.

Watch this short video to learn more:

Spearheaded by John King, Environment, Social and Governance Director, the committee is made up of a variety of Bidvest Noonan colleagues across each of our business units, who are passionate about corporate social responsibility. Their varying ideas, insights and experiences will help drive our ambitious plans forward.

Sunrise will see us launch an array of communications, engagement plans, campaigns, and reward and recognition incentives, to make it easier for everyone to get involved and for us to work together for a better tomorrow.

It is our honour and privilege to support organisations that do invaluable work in our society. This month, we were glad to be able to donate 10,000 facemasks to enable The Children’s Society to continue its important work. The Children’s Society helps children to escape and recover from extremely challenging situations, giving them a new start in their lives.

Darren Kinnane is a Bidvest Noonan Security Manager in London. This year Darren is cycling 2807 miles in aid of GAIN charity. Why 2807 miles? That is the sum total of 14 conqueror fitness challenges. We asked Darren to share what inspired him to take this challenge on.

To support GAIN charity and encourage Darren’s challenge, click here to donate.

Why did you choose to support the GAIN Charity? Tell us about its cause.

My Key Account Director Alan O’Connor deserves recognition for choosing this charity. Every year we choose a different charity to support. In October 2020 one of our colleagues’ daughter was struck down by Guillain-Barre Syndrome, which is a rare autoimmune condition affecting the peripheral nervous system, usually leading to temporary or long-term paralysis. As a team, we decided that we would help GAIN as they are the charity that raises awareness about this syndrome and they were also supporting our colleague. 

How did you come up with the idea of these virtual challenges?

The whole portfolio of our teams has been amazing doing all kinds of events to raise funds such as 100 sit-ups a day challenge. While I prefer walking, cycling, and hiking, I wanted to do my bit to help. I came across these virtual challenges and thought I can bang these out in a couple of months. I ditched my public transport card in February and bought a bicycle. It took me a month to get used to being on a bike again. 

On March 8^th, I started the first of 14 virtual challenges, which you simulate and travel virtually to different routes around the world. When complete, it will total 2807 miles and I am currently 50% complete on my 5th challenge.

What motivates you to keep focused?

The fact that raising money for such a worthwhile cause in solidarity with a colleague is enough to get on the bike and keep on track, but I also get a nice sense of achievement after completing every event.

What’s been the most positive thing to come out of your challenge?

The most positive outcome from doing this challenge is that it is helping me a lot in trying to quit smoking. The trial period on the bike was very hard for me but now I see how I have progressed a lot.

What is the impact of being active on your mental health during the lockdown?

Throughout the pandemic I have been coming in to the building every day. Keeping this routine was important to me. I have a great team of ladies and gents who have been onsite during this time. I feel that as their manager it is my responsibility to be there for them especially for the days they are anxious and fed up and need a bit of levity.