13 Sep 2024 Community

Local businesses unite to support The Kirkwood through volunteering efforts

The Kirkwood recently invited businesses from across Kirklees to take a break from their busy schedules and spend a day volunteering at the hospice's tranquil gardens in Dalton. 

Four local companies – Cummins, Expedite Law, Aflex Hose, and Mamas & Papas responded to the call, joining forces with The Kirkwood’s gardening team to help maintain the beautiful surroundings that provide a peaceful environment for patients and their families.

These businesses not only provided much-needed support but also took the time to learn more about the vital services The Kirkwood offers to people across Kirklees facing life-limiting illnesses. The contributions of these companies are greatly appreciated by The Kirkwood, which relies on community involvement to maintain its high standard of care.

Expedite Law, founded in 2010 within Fusion IT Management, specializes in consultancy and process solutions for law firms. The company has grown from just two people to over 20 experts and has earned a strong reputation globally. As part of their commitment to giving back, Expedite Law took part in the recent volunteer day. Jay Duff, Operations Manager at Expedite Law, shared his thoughts on the experience:

“We do software development, specialising in legal case management processes. Some of our people took part in The Kirkwood Memory Walk event earlier this year. From that, it came up that there's volunteering opportunities at the site in Dalton. One of the initiatives we've got going on within Expedite is giving everyone a day to do volunteering work, to give something back to a good cause. So we're all from the local area, so between Brighouse, Bradford or Huddersfield. So we thought, you know what, we'll come here.

"There's obviously people in a critical condition or in a vulnerable position, so being able to just make things look nicer for the patients is rewarding just being able to do that for them. I've found out more about The Kirkwood since volunteering in the garden and talking to some of the staff that work here. The building here in Dalton is lovely. It's bigger than it looks from the road. It looks really up to date, really clean, and, you know, the garden looks amazing too. We all feel proud to volunteer with The Kirkwood and do something that ultimately puts something back into the community."

Cummins Turbo Technologies, known for its Holset brand turbochargers, also sent employees to help out at The Kirkwood. Cummins is a global leader in designing durable turbochargers to address emissions, fuel consumption, and cost challenges for engines ranging from 4 to 160 liters. The company has been a key player in the commercial vehicle market since its founding in 1952. Simon Lyles, Value Stream Leader at Cummins, explained why volunteering was so important to him.

“The Kirkwood is local to where I live so to come and volunteer is just fantastic. I've driven past the charity's Dalton site for many years and just thought I'd give a little bit back. I’ve been to The Kirkwood shops and volunteered in them before. I helped out in both the Waterloo and Moldgreen shops. When this volunteering opportunity came up to help the gardeners, I just thought it was something different. Whilst doing the volunteering, it's been great to learn more about the hospice and particularly what happens on-site here in Dalton. Hearing what The Kirkwood does and how it cares for people makes you appreciate things more.”

Rob Jopek, a Manufacturing Engineer at Cummins, echoed Simon's sentiments and highlighted how well-known The Kirkwood is within the local community:

“People recognise the name of The Kirkwood and what it stands for and how good the charity is. People in Kirklees know the quality of care The Kirkwood provides and everyone speaks so highly of all the staff. As Simon said, I've learned a great deal whilst volunteering. It’s been interesting to hear about all the various services The Kirkwood offers to patients and their families. I'm really pleased I took this volunteering opportunity up.”

The Kirkwood's Business Development Manager, Beverley Shaw, expressed her gratitude for the efforts of the businesses involved.

“Getting businesses to volunteer in whatever capacity helps us bridge the gap between the business community and their understanding of the care we provide people across Kirklees with a life-limiting illness. The companies that have taken up the opportunities so far have been a fabulous help, and we wanted to thank them.”

The Kirkwood is thankful for the local businesses that took the time to volunteer and help maintain our beautiful gardens. Their contributions not only benefit our daily operations but also deepen the connection between the business community and The Kirkwood's life-changing care.