Corporate Social Responsibility and EdUKaid

CSR is a bit of a buzzword in the business world. Something every company must at least say they do. But why stop there?Words don’t always help, but actions do. Whether raising money, donating a portion of your profits, providing resources or simply giving your time, there are a variety of ways companies can make a difference to charities big and small. This blog explores the relationship between EdUKaid's biggest supporters. It may give you some inspiration for how your company can make Corporate Social Responsibility count.

EdUKaid's history

The story goes back to 2003. EdUKaid was set up by a family who recognised the desperate need for educational support in the rural Mtwara region of southern Tanzania. One member of the family, Tim Varney, also ran a successful vending company called Revive Vending. Tim (affectionately known as Mr Tim in Tanzania) took on the role of chair of trustees, a role he continues to this day. Ever since then, Revive Vending have provided office space, resources and pro-bono expertise to the small EdUKaid UK team. This support has grown over the years allowing the charity to keep their overheads extremely low and focus their funds on delivering activities in Tanzania.

It is not just Revive Vending that has been a part of EdUKaid's journey...

The Great Vending Get Together

The wider vending industry has also been involved with raising vital funds. Last year, Tim hosted the Great Vending Get Together for the eighth year running. This annual ball involves an auction (including prizes from Tanzania) as well as presentations about EdUKaid showing the incredible impact being achieved through funds raised by the industry and plenty of dancing. Tickets are already selling fast for the 2019 event. Individual members of the industry have also gone out of their way to raise money. Some have pledged to help pay for teachers, some have flown out to Tanzania to see the projects for themselves. Others have held their own fundraising events such as bike rides and events. The industry as a whole have raised over £125,000 improving the lives of many thousands of children. A real team effort!

South Wilts Business of the Year Awards 2019

Yesterday, Revive Vending was rewarded for its amazing contribution and commitment to CSR at the South Wilts Business of the Year Awards 2019. The award was for Charity and Community. During the judging process, the visitors were quite literally moved to tears after watching a video demonstrating the awe-inspiring support.

Teresa Wells, EdUKaid's Programme Director, had this to say,

"Thanks to Tim Varney and the Revive team, over 9,000 of Tanzania’s most disadvantaged children have access to an education every year and the chance of a better future.  We think this is a fantastic example of a business leader putting corporate social responsibility in action."

As Edukaid has grown, so have Revive Vending. Now offering a healthy vending brand called Doozy, providing healthy products and outstanding coffee to hospitals, universities and more.

We have grown together for over 15 years. Here's to many more. 

Get in touch for more information on opportunities to provide corporate support to EdUKaid