Herts Go Green and Grow records eventful summer of volunteering

The Chamber’s Herts Go Green and Grow initiative has participated in a summer full of impactful activities, focusing on giving back to the community through various volunteer efforts.

Launched in 2022 by the Chamber in collaboration with JPA Workspaces, KGK Genix, Estu Global, Net Zero International and Insight MCL, this initiative aims to support businesses in their transition to net zero. This summer, however, the focus has been on harnessing the power of volunteering to make a tangible difference in the local community.

One of the standout events was the Schools Food and Farming Day, which brought together 25 schools from across the county to learn about the origins of their food. This educational event saw a strong turnout from the Chamber’s members, who volunteered to support the day’s activities.

Among them were Abby Fisher from Insight MCL and a team from Sunset Studios, who played a crucial role in ensuring the event’s success. The event not only educated the children about agriculture but also provided an engaging experience for the volunteers.

Sarah Moreland MBE, MA, Executive Director of the Hertfordshire Agricultural Society, said: “Volunteers are the heart and soul of our Schools Food and Farming Day. Their dedication and passion for supporting the education of the next generation about the importance of agriculture and where their food comes from makes all the difference.

“The volunteers’ invaluable support helped us create a memorable and inspiring experience for all the children and their teachers. I think the volunteers found it educational while getting their steps in too!”

Another significant effort came from Goods for Good, a charity celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. The Chamber’s team joined in the charity’s celebrations by packing 100 boxes of essential items, demonstrating how collective effort can drive meaningful change.

VolMatch, a Hertfordshire-based CIC, has also been instrumental in connecting local people with short-term volunteering opportunities that fit their schedules. This service is particularly valuable for those who want to contribute to their communities but have limited time.

Jim Tatchell from VolMatch said: “From informal conversation with local employers, we’re finding that the take-up of volunteer days offered to staff stands at only about 30 per cent.

“VolMatch works well for those with only a short amount of time to share, providing totally flexible opportunities and full data and metrics of your employee engagement.”

Additionally, KGK Genix’s Managing Director, Graham Pitts, volunteered for The Muscle Help Foundation Charity Day at Porsche Silverstone.

The Muscle Help Foundation is dedicated to providing transformative experiences for children and young people with muscular dystrophy.

Graham said: “At KGK, we are proud to support our employees by offering an additional paid day off for volunteering. This initiative encourages staff to contribute to causes they are passionate about, fostering a culture of compassion and community engagement within the company.”