STAFF HOLD THE PURSE STRINGS AS PLMR BOOSTS CHARITABLE GIVING

PLMR, 2010 winner of the Business Charity Award for Social Investment, is well known across the sector as the public affairs and PR agency with an ethical edge. The company’s latest initiative takes this ethos one step further, inviting each employee to make their own individual donation to a charity of their choice, on behalf of PLMR.

The company has a long standing commitment to donate 5% of net profits to charity each year – a pledge that stands PLMR apart from many of its contemporaries – but this year wanted to go about things a little differently.

Traditionally, PLMR selects a Charity of the Year for their donation, with previous beneficiaries including Trinity Hospice and Springfield Community Flat Project.  However in 2012, inspired by the swathes of recent elections, PLMR decided to take a wholly democratic approach for a proportion of its charitable giving.

PLMR have placed the power of the company’s purse strings into the hands of their employees, and asked all 24 members of staff to nominate a charity that means something special to them to receive a £250 donation. Behind this decision is a firm belief that staff members, who have contributed so much to the success and growth of PLMR, should have a say in the way that success helps people who are less fortunate.

From Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust, to Sreepur Village who support poor mothers and children in Bangladesh, 24 different charities have benefited from PLMR’s latest initiative, with no two people opting to give to the same cause.  The feedback from the charities has been overwhelming.

Alison Foster Headteacher of Hillside Specialist School said:
“We were thrilled to receive this donation from PLMR. The money is being put towards a new mini bus for the school, which will allow us to take our students on more trips, further enriching their education.”

Ashley Benson Senior Administrator from Rhythms of Life International said:
“We are enormously grateful to PLMR for their donation.  We rely upon the generosity of donors to provide sustenance and support for the homeless and rough sleepers across the London Boroughs.

“With the money donated we can now purchase such items as gloves, hats, scarves, socks and other items of winter clothing, as well as tea and coffee to be served. We hope that with these items we can help make a huge difference to the lives of London’s rough sleepers.”

Andrew Jacob who participated in ‘Ride to Conquer Cancer’ in Australia said:
“When I was automatically notified about the donation, I was a bit mystified about its origin. After I discovered how it came to be, I was incredibly moved.

“Firstly, by the wonderful initiative of the company to adopt such an incentive programme, but then also to have the honour of being a recipient.”

Nick Albrow, an Intern at PLMR said:
“It’s great to work for such an inclusive company. I’ve only been at PLMR a short time and already I’ve had the opportunity to donate £250 to a charity of my choice. I selected a very personal charity which has had a huge impact on my family’s life and I know PLMR’s contribution will be greatly appreciated and make a huge difference.”

PLMR Managing Director Kevin Craig is extremely proud of the charitable ethos of the company. He commented:
“It is so important for us at PLMR to give back where we can and I am delight to see more public affairs agencies now starting to follow in our footsteps through CSR.

“The range of organisations that have been nominated is astounding, many of them are small, under-resourced charities doing amazing work.  I’m glad we can make a small difference.”

PR week recently highlighted our charitable work, reporting:

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