International Day of Charity (05 September) is an opportunity to uplift charities that mean a lot to you. It also serves as a platform for charities and volunteers to highlight their mission, and fundraising journey. No matter the size of your cause, this day is dedicated to celebrating milestones (big or small), raising awareness and rallying for further support to ultimately make the world a better place. 

So, we’re raising awareness on the inspiring charities we’re supporting, and reflecting on the various ways we’ve made a positive impact so far this year. 

Charity of the Year and fundraising 

Our chosen charity for 2024 is Alzheimer’s Society, an incredible charity that vows to help the devastation caused by Dementia through support and research. With this, we’ve taken the opportunity to fundraise through various events such as, HollisFest, our company summer celebration, bake sales, sports days and employee donations. 

If you would like to contribute to our JustGiving page, you can do so here! We’re incredibly grateful for all the donations we’ve received.

As a result, we’ve raised thousands (so far), and still have plenty of fundraising events to come including office quiz nights, our winter raffle, and our legendary Festive campaign. 

Payroll Giving 

Our charitable nature is embedded into our culture, reflected in our benefits package. UK based employees have the option to give back to a charity close to their hearts through our payroll giving scheme. Deductions are taken directly from salaries, giving employees tax savings and increasing funds for charities.

We are delighted to provide a streamlined charitable giving process for our UK employees, enhancing their convenience while contributing positively to their selected charities. This year, we’ve raised funds and been awarded the 2024 Silver Quality Mark Award from Charities Trust! 

LandAid partnership and Pro bono projects 

LandAid serves as the charitable arm of the UK property industry, with their crucial mission to end youth homelessness. For the 11th year running, we are proud to continue our partnership with them. Through this collaboration, we’re humbled to be able to contribute to improving the lives of young people experiencing homelessness by offering much needed annual financial support. 

We’ve also used our inhouse expertise to support charitable causes, including approving three pro bono projects this year, allowing the companies that need the most help to progress, regardless of their financial position. 

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes 

We’re proud to fund several Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes intended to create opportunities and inspire the next generation: 

• Urban Plan: Bringing the built environment to life for students, we support their workshops and interactive learning experiences. 
• Pathways to Property: Aiming to widen access to the real estate profession, we support their Summer School and Insight Days. 
• WCCS University Bursary: Helping talented students from disadvantaged and non-traditional backgrounds enter the property industry, by funding their university living expenses. 
• The Academy of Real Assets: Connecting schools and students to some of the country’s leading real estate and real assets firms, we’re pleased to support their events and work experience opportunities. 

Vicki Palmer, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility and Early Careers commented:  

“Social value is acknowledging the significance of social, economic, and environmental wellbeing across society. As organisations, we have a crucial role in providing these benefits to our employees, stakeholders and the wider community. This also means highlighting the difference every contribution makes to encourage and inspire others to also be a positive influence.  

Getting involved in charitable causes and community-based initiatives is a natural part of our problem-solving, teamworking and empathetic culture. We dedicate our resources and efforts to support the local communities surrounding our 20 offices. Giving back is not just a responsibility but a core value that brings us together as one team and defines who we are.”