DHL UK Foundation receives charity gong

The DHL UK Foundation has been presented with The Corporate Foundation Award in the first ever Business Charity Awards. The Foundation was recognised for its series of volunteering programmes that aim to help disadvantaged children and young people achieve their full potential.

The inaugural awards, held at the Grosvenor House Hotel London, was hosted in partnership with Third Sector voluntary magazine and the Institute of Fundraising to recognise and reward the charity work of corporate Britain.

An independent panel of judges assessed each award entry and The DHL UK Foundation was selected because of its contribution to the voluntary sector. The DHL UK Foundation has worked hard over the years to build its programmes, which look to use the skills and enthusiasm of DHL employees to make a positive contribution to the communities in which they live and work.  They include:

–       Truck and Child Safety – national safety training programme which teaches school children about keeping safe around larger vehicles

–       Match IT- Matched funding for employee fundraising and volunteering

–       Future Generations – a programme of partnerships with national charities including Outward Bound, the Prince’s Trust, Career Academies UK and Volunteer Reading Help.

Funding from the DHL UK Foundation has enabled The Prince’s Trust to run ‘Get into Logistics’ programmes at a number of DHL sites. The programme is dedicated to helping young people between the ages of 18 and 25 get into employment. The programme offers up to four weeks work experience covering the different skills that are needed for a career in logistics or customer services. As a result of just one course, thirteen young people were offered employment with DHL.

Perry Watts, CEO, DHL Supply Chain – UK & Ireland, said: “Corporate Social Responsibility is integral to the business and the DHL UK Foundation helps us to continually ensure we give something back to the community. The success of the Foundation is testament to the dedication and commitment of our team.”

Helen Dent, DHL UK foundation manager, said: “Winning the award is down to the commitment and enthusiasm of all DHL colleagues, who enable us to deliver our programmes throughout the country.

“Last year over £973,000 was donated by the DHL UK Foundation to Charity partners, and organisations supported by employees to help change lives and support the communities we work in.”