09 March 2015
On Wednesday February 25, Keep Britain Tidy and DS Smith
welcomed a select audience to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park,
London, to officially launch and promote the recent partnership,
which sees DS Smith as the main sponsor for the Green Flag Award
Scheme.
The afternoon with special guest speakers including Stephen
Williams MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Communities
and Local Government, addressed an audience drawn from government,
local authorities, charities, Green Flag Award judges and the
community sector.
The event highlighted how in the face of recent budget cuts, the
importance of looking after our local green spaces and how we can
play a significant role by supporting the Green Flag Award scheme
in developing these greenspaces over the next two years.
Recycling Divisions CEO Peter McGuiness spoke on behalf of DS
Smith:
"While there is much talk about supporting local communities, we
will continue to put our words into action. What better way to
demonstrate our support for local green spaces than by getting out
there and actively making a difference, through fundraising and
volunteering efforts. We are particularly excited about the
opportunity we have to extend the Green Flag scheme into businesses
- allowing for organisations to engage with community groups in
their local vicinity, to utilise and improve even more green
spaces."
Jane Wilcock from Friends of Longsight Park in Bolton gave a
motivational speech, thanking volunteers from DS Smith Recycling,
Bolton for their efforts in widening a path back in January,
resulting in it being more accessible and safer for the public,
mainly the elderly and disabled. Jane's heartfelt plea for similar
projects left the audience eager to follow suit.
The day incorporated networking intervals, when new contacts
were made and relationships developed. We look forward to hearing
of the ideas and projects that materialise as a result.
The event provided a well rounded insight into our collaboration
and left delegates motivated to get involved in supporting their
own local community, as the project rolls out around the
company.
For more information, contact Sophie Gibbs, Corporate Engagement
Manager for Keep Britain Tidy.
T: 029 20 849337 M: 07918053953 E:
[email protected]
View the photo gallery from the event on the Keep
Britain Tidy Facebook page.