Friday, 4 February 2011
Easi-Drive Launches £60,000 Charitable Fund For 2011
Easi-Drive continues its commitment to good causes with the launch of a new £60,000 fund for 2011.
The ‘wheelsforgood’ community fund was created by Easi-Drive’s Managing Director Simon Bellamy in 2009, to give something back to the community in which the business operates.
The award-winning company, which celebrates its 10th birthday this year, donated £60,000 in 2010 to a number of ‘wheel’ based projects, which ranged from buying a new wheelchair wheel for a 2016 Paralympic hopeful to donating £10,000 to the Motor and Allied Trades Benevolent Fund (BEN).
Commenting on the launch of the 2011 fund, Simon Bellamy said: “The wheelsforgood fund is unique in that it supports worthy causes related to the motor industry, wheels or transport. There is a deep rooted culture across the business to help individuals and projects within our industry and local community, wheelsforgood gives us a point of focus to company giving.”
Bellamy continued: “It’s been great to see the difference wheelsforgood made to individuals, groups and projects in 2010. We see this as a long term commitment and a key part of our corporate strategy, and are delighted to be pledging £60,000 once again this year.”
Some of the beneficiaries in 2010 included the Motor and Allied Trades Benevolent Fund (BEN); the Brain and Spinal Injury Centre (BASIC); IAM & Stockport Advanced Motorists ‘Skill for Life’ driving course; Fix-It UK, the Wigan-based charity that runs vocational training courses in motor mechanics for disadvantaged 14-19-year-olds; and Olympic wheelchair rugby hopeful, Myles Pearson.
Sue Blaylock, founder of local community group Wythenshawe Wheelers, who offer cycling to people with disabilities, a key beneficiary of the fund, said: “Since partnering with Easi-Drive, Wythenshawe Wheelers has really taken on a new dimension. The donations have so far included some fantastic new specialised equipment including a KMX Kart and Quad bike, which make a huge difference to the enjoyment of all our members, and the much-needed refurbishment of our toilet block, making it clean, smart and accessible for all. We are so grateful to Easi-Drive for its commitment – and are excited about the next project which will provide us with a van to take our services out to those that find it difficult to reach us.”
Rising star Myles Pearson, 17, who plays wheelchair rugby and is expected to represent Great Britain in the 2016 Paralympics said: “I want to say a huge thank you to Easi-Drive for its help. I used the donation to buy a new wheel for my wheelchair. It meant I could compete in some crucial competitions last year, which were essential to my preparations for 2016.”
Applying for an award is easy, simply complete the online application form on the home page, telling us how you’d like us to help.
