FIFTEEN community organisations in Basingstoke have received a helping hand from pharmaceutical giant Lilly, during its Global Day of Service.
Colleagues from the company’s UK head office in Priestly Road, joined more than 20,000 volunteers from close to 60 countries take part in the day which was first held in 2008.
Organised with the help of Employee Volunteering CIC, local charities benefiting from the day this included Inspero and Viables Community Association.
At Inspero, the Lilly team worked to create a new cultivation area for produce to be grown.
The charity’s chief executive Catherine Waters-Clark, said: “We are thrilled that Lilly UK have chosen a small organisation like Inspero to work with on their Global Day of Service.
“It is a great opportunity for us to complete important work and for their staff to contribute to local community projects, promoting well being for both organisations.”
The team working with Viables Community Association worked to tidy and decorate internal rooms and external community areas.
The association’s manager Claire Wareham, said: “I would like to thank Lilly for giving up their time and coming on site to help redecorate our facility and spruce up the surrounding environment. This work will further encourage more users to visit our site and enhance the experience of regular users.”
Thom Thorp, senior director of corporate affairs at Lilly and Basingstoke Ambassador, said “I can only hope everyone taking part had as great a day as I did. It’s fantastic to get out of the office and spend time with colleagues, making a real difference for the projects we’re working with.
“It’s not just Lilly’s Day of Service, but a true partnership with local community organisations, working together to help make Basingstoke an even better place to live.”
Other local projects this year included working at a local school with year ten students, covering basic goal setting and interview skills; working with elderly members of our community, restoring furniture and supporting local environmental projects.
Source: Andover Advertiser
