Background
The UK Corporate Social Leadership board was formed in late 2007 as part of Oracle UK’s commitment to the Vision 2010 pillar of CSL. To demonstrate how easy it is to volunteer and offer support to local communities we decided to organise a volunteer day for the board.
How
We contacted Business In The Community (BITC) and informed them we wanted to do something as a team (approx 10) in the London area and they suggested 6 examples of activities we could undertake (e.g. painting or gardening in schools etc). We engaged with a London based charity called Kids Company who help underprivileged children and young people around Greater London.
What
We were asked to support teachers and supervisors of pupils from a school in Lambeth. The group of 6 year olds don't have many opportunities to visit major attractions around the city, due to a lack of funding and resources.
Fund Raising
We only had to raise a small amount to make the trip possible and the target was easily achieved using a ‘Just Giving’ website. The CSL Board collected enough money to pay for the coach to transport the children, teachers and volunteers to London Zoo and to cover entry fees for the teachers and adult supervisors (children were free).
Outcomes
The feedback from the school and Kids Company was that the day was a complete success. The school and charity were extremely grateful for our time and efforts, reminding us not to underestimate the value such positive interaction with adults has on these children, who may not always have a strong support structure.
For the Board it underlined not just how is it is to participate in such volunteer activities, but also confirmed that such activites can be excellent team building exercises with everyone getting to know one another much better.
Your opportunity
If you would like to arrange a volunteer day like this and need support in arranging it, please contact your local CSL board representative.

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