Our staff are key to the success of Samuel Grant and we are proud to support them and their families in charitable interests and community ventures. From sponsoring cricket, football and rugby to dance championships and the National Pot Leek Society, the range of endeavours is vast; we also make charitable donations to causes close to our employees’ hearts.
We are pleased to sponsor the National Pot Leek Society as Brian Boucher, Packaging Specialist at Samuel Grant North East, is a longtime supporter and leek enthusiast. The Society held its annual show in the Seaham Youth and Community Centre in September, attracting visitors and top exhibitors from all around the UK. As well as all classes of leeks, the venue also hosted the Northeast Giant Vegetable contest. “It means a lot that Samuel Grant are thinking about their staff and taking an interest in what they’re doing out in the community,” says Brian.
We are also proud to sponsor Normanton Knights’ Under 14 Girls’ rugby league team including their kits, after-match polo shirts and hoodies. Our Group Operations Manager, Lauren Davis’s daughter, Lillie, plays for the team, established for just two years and competing in the Under 14s East League this season.
Packaging Specialist, Jeremy Cox’s daughter, Isobel, is a member of the award-winning ElLiTe Studios’ Dance Team, based in Wakefield. They qualified for the 2023 Dance World Championships in Braga, Portugal, ultimately winning gold! We are delighted to sponsor the squad and wish them the best of luck in next year’s competitions.
We are also official kit sponsors for the Harrogate Rugby Club Foundation. Coached by MD Matthew Grant, the U15s, with the next generation of Grants, Luke and Robbie on the team, achieved victory in the Yorkshire Cup. Samuel Grant is also sponsoring the School’s Outreach Programme, opening up opportunities for more children to access and play rugby union.
More team sponsorship, this time for cricket. Ouseburn Cricket Club have had an outstanding season, with the Under 13s winning the Nidderdale Cup. Sixteen teams competed in the competition, with Ouseburn and Pannal meeting in the final. Ouseburn were the victors by just nine runs, in a thrilling match. In another exciting match, the Men’s First XII won the final of the Atkinson-Swires Cup, beating Helperby by 4 wickets.
Many of our staff get involved in fundraising for charities and Samuel Grant offers match funding, meaning funds raised by an employee are matched by the company. Group MD Andrew Grant embarked on his own fundraising venture in 2022, cycling the length of the country from Land’s End to John ‘O Groats over nine days. “It was a lot harder than I thought it would be when I set out, but I raised £15,000 for the Alzheimer’s Society, a charity close to my heart, as that was a disease my father had in his last days.”
Richard Knight, Area Sales Manager, walked 26 miles around the hills of Holmfirth and Huddersfield. raising over £12,000 which Samuel Grant matched, for Eden, a child in his son’s school, who needs life-saving medical treatment in America. “I was the top fundraiser, which wouldn’t have happened without the support of Samuel Grant,” said Richard. Eden has now made three trips to New York for her treatment, which we’re pleased to hear is going well.
Sam Haigh from Clingfoil and her sister Becky fundraised for Prevent Breast Cancer’s National Breast Imaging Academy Appeal, by taking part in the Great Manchester Run earlier this year. Becky was diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2022 and despite a gruelling treatment that included chemotherapy and radiotherapy, she completed the 10k run, crossing the finishing line with Sam by her side. “We are so thankful for the charity donation match offered by the Samuel Grant Group as this doubled our fundraising. We managed to raise over £3,000.00 for Prevent Breast Cancer which is such an amazing charity,” said Sam. “I am beyond proud of Becky for her attitude throughout her treatment and how she has tackled all the obstacles thrown her way.”
Darren Laidler, Senior Sales and Technical Support at Marmax, completed the Great North Run 2023, raising £270 for The Children’s Foundation, which will be matched by Samuel Grant. “This was my third Great North Run, all have been completed for The Children’s Foundation for the amazing work they do to help the well-being of children from birth to 18 years, who are classed as being the most vulnerable for whatever reason,” said Darren. “This year was especially tough due to the 25-degree heat followed by thunder and lightning, but I got there in the end despite injury hitting at the 6-mile mark.”