A key area of Elkins’ work is planned refurbishment and major works in partnership with local authorities across London and the South East. Due to the extensive nature of these projects, our teams can often be based in the same locations for months or even years, making it important we build strong relationships and engage with the local community.
We are currently completing a long-term major refurbishment programme at Kingswood Estate for London Borough of Southwark, consisting of extensive work to the 41 apartment blocks. As part of our commitment to the community on this project, we have been building a relationship with Dulwich Wood Primary School, which is situated on the estate. In fact, our site is so close to the school, the pupils and staff can see us from their windows!
With this in mind, we got in touch with the school in February 2022 to give the children the opportunity to get involved in our project by producing some drawings, which were then displayed on the scaffolding netting on site. The students were invited to come and view their artwork, meet the Elkins team, and learn more about working in construction.
The drawing competition was just the start of the relationship, which has seen us support a number of further school events, supplying Tesco vouchers for the summer fair, Halloween disco and winter fair. Our contributions have allowed the school to essentially double our donations, as the cost for food and drink did not have to come out of the event budgets, and all the money raised is then put back into the school’s funding, all for the benefit of the children.
This funding is essential for providing resources, including sports equipment. Sport is an important part of life at Dulwich Wood Primary School and this is the first year that both boys and girls football teams have been competing against other schools. One enthusiastic year five student named Olaf has loved playing but was disheartened that his school was the only one which didn’t have a dedicated kit. He decided to write a letter asking local companies if they could sponsor one.
When Elkins received Olaf’s letter, we were excited to lend a helping hand by sponsoring brand new kits for the boys football team. The potential designs for the new kits were put forward by the children themselves, with a lightning theme by Olaf’s fellow student, Kuzey, being voted as the winner. Helen Jary, Deputy Head, said: “Olaf was over the moon that Elkins liked his letter so much to want to sponsor the kits for the school! A proud moment indeed for one little boy and the kids are very excited about finally having their own kit.”
We have really enjoyed being a part of the school community and look forward to continuing to build our relationship by supporting its fantastic events and initiatives this year.
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