Ben Norman, Chief Financial Officer of the John Good Group, recently made a generous donation of £4,850 worth of tools to the Spurn Point Conservation Team. The donation came after he observed the worn condition of the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s equipment during a corporate volunteering day.
Ben (Second from right) delivering the donation of tools
When Ben participated in the John Good Group’s “Day to Make A Difference” volunteering programme at Spurn Point, he was expecting a rewarding day of hands-on work in nature. What he encountered was a remarkable charity doing crucial work at one of Yorkshire’s most scenic wildlife havens. Understanding that charities must carefully manage their budgets, Ben learned that the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust was struggling with outdated tools, which was limiting their efficiency.
Determined to help, Ben decided to contribute additional support, personally donating £2,850 towards new tools and equipment. The John Good Group’s employee giving programme matched this donation up to £2,000, enabling a total contribution of £4,850. Ben then collaborated with Vowles Hardware, a family business based in Patrington, to procure the necessary equipment.
“The equipment donation will make a huge difference to our staff and volunteers. From the power scythe which will allow us to maintain paths, to the new technology of electric brush cutters which will go a long way to reducing any effects on our volunteers, the equipment will mean we can get more habitat work completed. We would like to say a huge thank you to Ben at John Good Group and the Matthew Good Foundation for making this to happen.”
Rosie Jacques – Reserve & Marine Officer, YWT Spurn Point
The new tools and equipment include a specialist scythe mower for cutting down thick undergrowth, powerful battery packs to help the team work out in the field for longer, and a brushcutter for edging walkways.
“Whilst volunteering, I experienced firsthand the amazing work which was been done by only a couple of employees alongside some trainees and volunteers – so much was being achieved with limited resource.
“When chatting to Rosie Jaques, she was explaining some of the challenges with equipment and maintaining what they had within the budget. Rosie and the team inspired me to want to do something and though a contact I was put in touch with Mark Vowles from Vowles Hardware who were brilliant in supporting us with facilitating the large amount of equipment which were able to deliver.
“I knew it was the right decision when we took the equipment down and the guys were getting excited even about things as small as new brushes and toolsets, never mind the larger equipment such as the 2 battery powered brush cutters and scythe mower.
“I have subsequently been back volunteering and it was brilliant to hear about the impact for the team.”
Ben Norman – CFO, The John Good Group
Ben’s contribution demonstrates the impact the corporate volunteering can create. His donation, along with support from Vowles Hardware and the John Good Group’s matching programme, highlights how collective effort can lead to real improvements for local communities.
