Staff Volunteer to help Local Christmas Initiatives

The OCL team were given the opportunity to take a break from their busy schedules to give back into the community.

Staff had the opportunity of helping the Lennox Children’s Cancer Fund, handpicking and wrapping up presents for each cancer child and their siblings.  Over 500 families across the UK would be celebrating Christmas and the charity aimed to make it extra special, bringing joy and happiness for the families.

The charity gain financial support and donations from multiple corporates, SMEs and local businesses each year, ready to make Christmas extra special for the children.

“We will be forever grateful for your support.” – Lindsey Bidwell – Relations and Partnership Manager at Lennox

“It was such a rewarding experience to volunteer for the charity, we all felt very humbled to help such a special charity. I’m so happy that we’ll be supporting again next year.” – Olivia – Trainee Buyer at OCL

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Some of the team also volunteered to help out at the Emergency Homeless Shelter in Basildon.  The team helped prepare the beds for the night, manning the kitchen, making teas and coffees and offered light conversations and a game of cards with the guests that opened up to them.

The shelter will remain open until the end of March and OCL will be supporting the shelter during this time.

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Not only were the team doing there bit and volunteering in the community – the team supported the local Council’s Christmas Gift Drive, which involved collected new toys and gifts for families living in temporary accommodation in need of help to bring smiles to their children over Christmas.

The team donated hundreds of gifts ranging from toys for toddlers to biscuit and chocolate treat boxes.

“A huge thank you to everyone who has supported the Basildon Christmas Gift Drive! Thanks to your generosity no child in the borough will be left behind this Christmas.” – Patrick Cole, Economic Development Specialist.

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