When the UK-based retreader Bandvulc looked to mark its 50th anniversary recently, they remembered the old adage that charity begins at home and decided to use the milestone birthday as an opportunity to say thank you to its local community.
Bandvulc Contributes to UK Charities
The company, which began retreading around 30 tyres a week in 1971, and is now owned by Continental Tyres, has given away a series of £250 grants to charities and community groups that shared the same Devon postcode – PL21.
“Bandvulc has been in Devon for 50 years and it’s nice to have the opportunity to do this project and to give back to the local community,” commented Operations Director Tony Mailling. “We already have a charity team at Bandvulc which meet frequently and hold fundraising events throughout the year to raise money.
“This year is different because we decided to give 20 good causes £250 each. We’ve had a great response from it, and it’s been really interesting to find out about the different charities and groups from our local area that applied – some we didn’t know anything about.”
Charities and community groups which received the grants range from the Ivybridge Foodbank to crafting groups and a sustainability project which is building up woodlands with more trees and wildflowers, aligned with Bandvulc’s sustainability culture. Julia Bertram who entered the community contribution on behalf of Yealm to Moor commened; “The YEM project is a legacy project. People connect with rivers, woodland and meadows and fresh air and green spaces are feel good motivators. Given funds and a good local story, volunteer recruitment should be easier for our projects and ongoing work – thank you Bandvulc for supporting not only the local community but our environment too.”
Recipients of the £250 grants include a mum and toddler group, two local primary schools, the Rotary Club and a couple of local sports clubs along with the Ivybridge branch of the Royal British Legion who are going to spend the money on maintaining the local memorial garden in Ivybridge.
“The original plan was to hand out 20 grants,” explained Mailling, “but two additional groups applied which made deciding difficult so in total 22 groups have received a Bandvulc donation.”
