The Pavers Foundation, charitable initiative of the family-owned York-based shoe retailer Pavers, have recently awarded £5,000 on behalf of Sarah Webb, Store Manager at Pavers Wilton, to charity Alabaré Christian Care and Support. Alabaré supports the homeless, vulnerable, and marginalised in society, by building their skills and confidence and offering them opportunities through training and job creation to live a fulfilled life.
Sarah chose to apply for funding through the employee-led grant application scheme, having wanted to help those less fortunate than herself:
“I chose Alabaré’s Salisbury-based young people’s services as they provide supported accommodation for different types of young people who all need extra support accessing the same support their peers are often provided with by their families. Having had a supportive family, who helped me attain my own educational and employment goals, despite being dyslexic, I can truly appreciate the void left if that family support is not there.
This money will be helping young people who struggle with reading and writing, (those like myself who have dyslexia or other learning difficulties) who need additional help, especially getting into the workplace. It will help provide these young people with essential skills such as interview techniques and skills that we sometimes take for granted with the help of a supportive family.
The Charity has also asked me to volunteer with them, as a reminder of what difficulties a person can overcome if they have the right support! I am so grateful for this donation and I know Alabaré are too. Thank you Pavers!”
Nicky Cushing, Trust Grant and Fundraising officer at Alabaré explained how the grant will support young people:
“This generous funding will be used to provide Employability Coaches to support our young people within our homes in the Salisbury area.
These young people are leaving the care of the local authority, young parents and homeless young people who are estranged from their families. Many of these young people have emotional and mental health needs and require extra support to access work, training and volunteering opportunities within their communities. The Employability Coaches work directly with these young people in the homes, at a time when the young person is ready and able to engage, providing flexible and 1:1 support, which is not available in the community.
Without the kind support from funders such as Pavers, we would be unable to provide this valuable service to these vulnerable young people.”
The Pavers Foundation is dedicated to making a meaningful and long-lasting impact on the charities and causes it supports. Each year as a family business, Pavers gives 2% of net profit, alongside the total profits from the sale of carrier bags in stores, plus returns from the endowment to ensure the Pavers Foundation can continue to make effective and positive changes in local communities and beyond. To date, the Foundation has donated over £930,000 to good causes which tend to be associated with the core three pillars of their philanthropic strategy relating to health, education, and the community.
