The Gift of Giving

As we wrap up 2023 and head full speed towards the festive season, with its central values of sharing, giving and thankfulness, it is an obvious opportunity to reflect on our own actions during the last 12 months, as individuals, and as a company.

Just as a CT scan shows the physical effects that giving and generosity have on an individual’s physiology, so the staff retention record, employee well being levels, and yes, the bottom line of the P&L account, will show the tangible benefits of a business growing their Social Value.

At Sparkloop we are happy to embrace these as the wonderful and welcome side effects to the acts of giving and generosity.

Close to our home and hearts (geographically and metaphorically) is our pro bono work during this last year, helping Bath Cats & Dogs Home to work out how to more accurately communicate their expertise and achievements in transforming the lives of the animals in their care.

It has been an utter pleasure to meet and work with the experienced and dedicated multidisciplinary team who work so tirelessly to support their furry friends – and 2024 will see us unwrap the creative results.

Creating original artworks to raise funds and build awareness

Those of you follow us on Social Media, or live locally and are familiar with Bath, may also be aware of our initiation and creation of a community based project to raise awareness of and funds for, local vulnerable individuals in and around Bath.

The Views from the Pavement gained more interest in Spring, kicking off with the organisation of a bespoke exhibition of original, framed graphic artworks by our design team, in collaboration with Bath Office Co and Bath based charity, Julian House.

The project has already raised over £8,500 through exhibition sales and a stall at Bath Christmas market.

From our local community in the South West, to another in the South East, we were thrilled to have launched a new brand for Bedford Giving. This collaborative cross sector partnership improves the lives of children and young people facing disadvantage in Bedford.

Giving wings to support vital research

So from a charities on the starting blocks to a well established National organisation, earlier in the year we wrote about our longstanding relationship with Wings for Life. A charity whose research is literally changing the lives of those with spinal injuries through medical advancements and effective use of technology. In 2023 alone, and with the help of their sponsor, Red Bull, they have raised over £2.5m. With 100% of money raised going directly to research, this is a sum that will make a very real difference.

We are proud to offer our branding and design services for events such as WFL 100% Challenge, The Clay Day, Driving Force and their Alpine Challenge, to name but a few.

Providing design support to help build young lives

Another enduring Sparkloop relationship is with The Princes Trust, with whom we have worked for over a decade, and who offers support to young people to build their confidence, gain new skills and employment. This year we helped them present some of the hard kitting key findings from the ‘Covid Years’ which show the impact of the pandemic on the hopes and motivations and opportunities for the UK’s youth, and we hope to continue to support them next year with events and fundraising.

Being unwrapped in 2024

Last but definitely not least, our hard work throughout the year with Social Value Portal will soon be revealed. Social Value Portal are arguably the pioneers of the Social Value movement in the UK, daring to imagine a world where organisation put people and planet on an equal footing with profit.

They also reinforce what we firmly believe as a company...

doing good business is about so much more than just making money.

So, whether it is giving a thoughtful gift, donating to a charity, volunteering your time and skills, offering training and mentoring to give opportunities to others, or doing your bit for the environment, you are doing it for the benefit of others, and it's ok that it is good for you too.

Call it CSR, a good deed, ESG, or Social Value…

It is simply the right thing to do.

Cathy Thompson, Operations Lead: Connect

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Team Sparkloop wish everyone joy and happiness in 2024.