At the same event, Zest also presented a cheque for £2,000 to Shelter Cymru, which was money that staff voted to give to a home support charity in lieu of staff receiving Christmas gifts.
Funds were raised via a series of charity challenges completed by the staff throughout the year. Highlights included the Manchester Marathon when nine employees participated, a 150-foot Liverpool Cathedral Abseiling event, as well as participation in Iron Man Wales, the Chester 10K, and company sponsored quiz nights, cake bakes and raffles – and a 24-hour relay walk.
“I am so proud of what we have been able to achieve and this achievement wouldn’t have been possible without massive contributions from the whole team, as well as the support from friends, families, customers, suppliers, and the local community,” said Andrew Baker, Zest’s managing director.
“A special thank you goes to our fund-raising team leaders who have played an important role in organising events and encouraging others to get involved. Also, a special thank you to all those who have taken on personal challenges like running a marathon for the first time to raise significant amounts of money. Raising awareness of the importance of mental health issues has been just as important to us as the fundraising. Supporting the community is part of our company ethos.
“We have now raised almost £175,000 in our 14 years of fund-raising. Next year marks the Group’s 40th anniversary, and it would be great to hit the £200,000 mark during this milestone year.”
Zest was established in 2005 to bring high quality, sustainable timber garden products to garden centres, online retailers, builders’ merchants, and major purchasing groups across the UK. Over the years, the Group has raised funds for Dementia UK, British Heart Foundation, Macmillan Cancer Support, Hope House, and Tŷ Gobaith Children’s Hospices, Cancer Research UK, Action for Children, Alzheimer’s Society, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and Meningitis Now.
