The importance of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) at Aico

Aico colleagues are passionate about our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme and giving back to the community. Colleagues volunteer their time in the local community and spend their time giving back to make a difference.

During my four years at Aico, I have enjoyed many volunteering days working alongside various social housing landlords and supporting charities. These have included volunteer days at Willowdene Rehabilitation, Spadework, Osnosh, Heathrow Special Needs Farm and also working with Equans, clearing a severely overgrown garden.

The days vary so much across the establishments, ranging from gardening, clearing rubbish, helping in the kitchen and at food bank tables, moving equipment, painting and more! We have even helped out with livestock too which was a truly fun day – steel toe cap boots were certainly needed here!

Along with our CSR days, we also contribute financially through fundraising events. The methods of fundraising are also quite varied, ranging from marathons, mountain climbing, bike rides, sports days, danceathons to dress-up days. Fundraising is always an enjoyable experience and it’s even better knowing that it’s all for a good cause.

Organisations we raise money for are always extremely happy and grateful for the additional support, although they do express that it is not all about the donations and supporting through volunteering means the organisations have more time and resources to focus on the fantastic support they provide.

We have built very strong relationships with the likes of Willowdene Rehabilitation Centre in Chorley. Willowdene has a women’s centre that helps to break the cycle of re-offending. It is such a worthwhile cause as Willowdene are helping others to break their habits and help them gain invaluable life skills to become their better selves.

Volunteering at Willowdene brings lots of self-awareness and reminds us of how important it is to engage with the local community and help support these fantastic initiatives in any way we can. Overall, it is such a rewarding experience to give back to the community and help others.

Find out more about Aico In The Community, here: https://www.aico.co.uk/in-the-community/