The International Day of Charity is observed annually on 5 September, recognising the role of charity in alleviating human crises and suffering worldwide. To mark the day, we’re highlighting some of the incredible efforts made by colleagues across Chemring to support various charitable causes.
New charities nominated by Roke colleagues
In May, colleagues at Chemring’s Roke business were invited to make nominations for the Roke Charity of the Year, a relationship which will run from summer 2024 to summer 2025. They received some fantastic submissions from across all of Roke’s locations.
19 extremely worthy causes were submitted, and a newly formed colleague committee reviewed and selected the causes that best aligned with Chemring’s social value goals.
The following charities have been selected, one overall charity for Roke and one local charity per site:
- Roke (nationwide) Charity of the Year: Soldiers off the Street
- Romsey Charity of the Year: Alfie’s Wish
- Manchester Charity of the Year: Mustard Tree
- Gloucester Charity of the Year: Hollie Gazzard Trust
- Woking Charity of the Year: Stemettes
These five charities will be supported throughout the next year by colleagues across Roke, with Roke supporting events and matching employee donations (up to £1,000 per charity).
Supporting our Armed Forces
At Chemring Countermeasures UK (CCM UK), over the summer, a team of colleagues participated in a charity bike ride to support the Royal British Legion Industries. This national veteran’s charity supports the Armed Forces, people with disabilities, and unemployed individuals. The charity bike ride, known as "Ride with a Veteran," saw Chemring colleagues donning their Lycra and cycling from Aylesford, Kent, to the Menin Gate Memorial in Ypres, Belgium, covering 173km over two days.
CCM UK has also held several fundraising events for the charity Alabaré Christian Care and Support, including a bake sale and massage therapy.
Chemring Energetic Devices (CED) regularly supports the US Marine Corps charity, Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, to help less fortunate children throughout the United States experience the joy of Christmas. Each December, they fill a box with new, unwrapped toys and deliver them to the charity for distribution.
Here at Chemring, we are also proud to hold the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award in recognition of both our Roke and CCM UK businesses. This Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) serves to recognise and reward employers for their support to Reservists, Service Leavers and Spouses, Cadets and Cadet Volunteers. The scheme is the Ministry of Defence’s highest badge of honour for Armed Forces-friendly organisations.
Fundraising for health and research
During World Wellbeing Week 2024, Chemring colleagues at Chemring Energetics UK (CE UK) were invited to a bake sale organised by the colleague Wellbeing Forum. They raised money to share between their four chosen charities, including Ayrshire Cancer Support, Hillhouse, No-one Dies Alone, and The Underheugh Ark. Ayrshire Cancer Support offers support to all those affected by cancer in Ayrshire, delivering a wide range of services free of charge to cancer patients and their families.