Volunteering
Each year, the Trust provides financial support for apprentices, from our internal and external apprenticeship scheme, to undertake much needed volunteering activity in the local community.
Due to Covid, it was June 2019 when we last had the opportunity to successfully complete three amazing projects, following a donation of over £6,000.00 from the Trust. Apprentices jumped into action to support three worthy causes over an intensive four day period close to the Burnaston plant. 2022 will see the return of our much valued volunteering activity - keep your eyes peeled!
Aquarius
The first project was at Aquarius in Derby, where they strive to help people overcome the harms of alcohol, drugs and gambling, four days of hard work left their users with a bright and useable outdoor garden. This included a communal seating and barbeque area, a calming water feature, raised beds and a memorial garden.
Jamie Gratton, Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust said:
The way the Toyota Apprentices interacted with our clients, peers and volunteers is a credit to how upstanding, caring and genuine people they truly are. They have made a huge difference to our clients, and we are extremely thankful to them.
Royal School for the Deaf, Derby
Just up the road, the Royal School for the Deaf cater for approximately 120 children. A fantastic make-over transformed a concrete space into a painted chess floor and football pitch Sensory items, planters and beautifully painted benches also added colour to a once bland, unused space.
Helen Shepherd, Head Teacher, Royal School for the Deaf said:
We have been thrilled by the enthusiasm and care of the apprentices who tackled each challenge with a smile. It is wonderful to see the children discovering something new each day in their new playground.
Holbrook School
Last, but not least, Holbrook School - a specialist school for children and young people with autism and learning disabilities, were delighted with the foundations of their new Forest School site, which included an amazing fire pit and seating area.
Emily Driver, Holbrook School said “Our Forest School site has only just begun to be developed and the new Barefoot Walk, Tyre Run, Bug hotel and fire pit with seating have started this process with enthusiasm . Thank you to all the apprentices - their hard work, commitment and passion will be appreciated for years to come.“
Funded by the Toyota Manufacturing UK Charitable Trust, the volunteering projects form part of the company’s commitment to supporting the local community, whilst aiming to further develop the apprentices’ interpersonal skills in teamwork and leadership.
Jim Crosbie, Trustee for the Charitable Trust, and Deputy Managing Director at Toyota Manufacturing UK commented:
What a fantastic opportunity for our apprentices to put their skills to good use, whilst benefitting some amazing local organisations - a win, win all round.
Unfortunately, due to the impact of the Covid-19 outbreak, our 2020 projects have been delayed until 2021.Projects have been selected, however, should you be aware of any local charities or organisations who may benefit from a helping hand in the future, please contact the External Affairs Team.
