Our commitment to social value took centre stage recently with a day of volunteering at one of Oasis’s community kitchens.
Oasis works in communities affected by poverty and inequality, with a mission to transform them into safe, healthy places where everyone is included and able to reach their full potential in life. It does this in a joined-up way to create change – through education, housing, justice, health, youth, and family support, with people of all ages and all situations.
A partnership born from connection
Earlier this year our ESG roundtable brought together clients and partners to explore collective ways of achieving social value goals. This event connected the Oasis with The University of Law, resulting in a fantastic collaboration. The University of Law donated industrial kitchen equipment from its Guildford site to Oasis’s London-based Living Rooms. These spaces provide essential warmth, food, and comfort for vulnerable individuals during winter.
Gary Binder, national relationship director at Churchill Group, highlighted the value of such connections: “All of our clients have ambitious goals, and the ESG roundtables align those visions for the greater good. This partnership is a testament to how these events can inspire action.”
Supporting Lambeth through volunteering
Our involvement didn’t stop at facilitating the partnership. Recently, a team of Churchill Group employees spent a day volunteering at an Oasis community kitchen in Lambeth. They were joined by Praf Ladwa, the head of procurement at the University of Law, who wanted to see first-hand how the equipment they donated was making a difference.
This bustling centre serves as a lifeline for locals, creating a sense of belonging and support. The team arrived early to help set up the kitchen and prepare for the day’s activities. From 10 a.m., the doors opened to welcome 75 residents, offering breakfast options such as bacon rolls, porridge, and hot drinks. Volunteers took on roles ranging from serving meals to coordinating the collection of groceries, ensuring everyone was attended to with care and respect. We also had to give out invites and record responses for a Christmas event.
After breakfast, the focus shifted to grocery distribution. Residents could select around 15-20 kilograms of free food, with volunteers facilitating the process to maintain an organised and inclusive experience. The day wrapped up with clearing the space and returning it to the church hall, leaving behind not just a clean venue but also strengthened community bonds.
Driving future impact
Our support for Oasis highlights the importance of embedding social value into everyday operations. Whether through connecting organisations to share resources or dedicating time to community initiatives, there are many ways we can have a positive impact in the communities that we work in.
Diana Steele, head of fundraising at Oasis, praised the collaboration: “Churchill Group’s ESG roundtable let us workshop new ideas to support vulnerable communities. Their volunteering further exemplifies their commitment to making a difference.”
We look forward to supporting Oasis and many other charities in 2025 and beyond.