At Novuna, we believe that businesses should be a force for good. That’s why volunteering and community engagement are integral to who we are. Over the past year, our colleagues dedicated 1,862 hours—equivalent to 250 full days—to supporting 21 charities.
We’ve also provided significant financial contributions, including £170,094 donated to charities, with £29,020 in matched fundraising and £19,535 given through our payroll giving scheme, Give As You Earn. This collective effort is part of our ongoing commitment to social innovation and sustainability, aligning with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Partnering with Charities to Create Lasting Change
We spoke to some of the key charities our colleagues have supported this year to understand the impact of their contributions. Here’s what they had to say:
Crisis – Supporting People Experiencing Homelessness
Ella Zamir, Crisis: “Volunteers are the lifeblood of our work to end homelessness. Novuna colleagues played a key role in our Changing Lives grant panel, offering business advice and providing grant funding of up to £5,000 to help people experiencing homelessness start their businesses.”
St Gemma’s Hospice – Helping Those in Palliative Care
Duncan Brownnutt, St Gemma’s: “Our charity shops rely on volunteers, and the support from Novuna colleagues made a huge difference in raising funds for patient care. Their enthusiasm and commitment have been invaluable.”
Sustainable Hive – Cleaning Up Our Waterways
Jo Taylor, Sustainable Hive: “With Novuna’s help, we’ve removed 8.5 kg of waste from Bristol’s waterways, including recyclable plastic and even full beer cans! These efforts contribute to cleaner, healthier local ecosystems.”
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust – Conserving Natural Spaces
Holly Eva, YWT: “Novuna volunteers took part in Wild Work Days, helping with conservation projects that directly benefit biodiversity. Whether it was building fences, clearing overgrown spaces, or improving habitats, their work made a lasting impact.”
FareShare – Fighting Food Poverty
Caroline Mulcahy, FareShare: “Novuna volunteers have been incredible in our warehouse operations, helping us sort, pack, and distribute surplus food. Thanks to their efforts, we’re able to provide 40 tonnes of food weekly to people in need.”
Why Volunteering Matters
Beyond the immediate benefits to the charities involved, volunteering has long-term impacts on the community and the environment. The contributions made by Novuna colleagues have:
✔ Supported vulnerable individuals, from those experiencing homelessness to those in palliative care
✔ Helped local conservation efforts, protecting biodiversity and cleaning up natural spaces
✔ Provided essential food supplies to thousands of people each week
✔ Strengthened community bonds, bringing people together for a common cause
We believe that by investing our time and resources in meaningful initiatives, we can create a more sustainable and compassionate world.
Looking Ahead: More Opportunities to Make an Impact
Volunteering is more than just a one-time effort—it’s an ongoing commitment to positive change. As we look forward to the new financial year, we remain dedicated to supporting local and national charities through hands-on involvement and fundraising efforts.
Whether you’re passionate about environmental conservation, social justice, or community outreach, there’s an opportunity for you to get involved at Novuna. Together, we can continue to make a difference.
Interested in joining a company that values giving back? Explore where else Novuna is focusing our sustainability efforts.
- Charity
- colleagues
- Sustainability
- Volunteering
