Two remarkable charities making a difference in their communities have each received a £4,000 grant from the Minorfern Foundation: Dronfield First Responders and Howarth Foundation. These organisations provide life-saving medical support and pathways out of homelessness, and the foundation is proud to help sustain their impactful work.
Andy Bloor, Branch Manager at SDL Minorfern Chesterfield handing a £4,000 donation to Dave Brown form Dronfield CFR
Dronfield First Responders: Saving Lives in Critical Moments
Dronfield First Responders are a team of trained volunteers who provide vital medical assistance in emergencies. Working alongside the East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS), they are often the first on the scene for life-threatening situations such as cardiac arrests, strokes, and severe breathing difficulties. Their rapid response can be the difference between life and death, offering critical care before paramedics arrive.
Equipped with specialist training and life-saving equipment like defibrillators and oxygen, these volunteers bridge the crucial gap in emergency medical care. Their presence ensures that patients receive immediate attention, improving survival rates and reducing long-term health complications.
As a fully volunteer-led organisation, Dronfield First Responders rely solely on donations to continue their essential work. The £4,000 grant from the Minorfern Foundation will help them maintain their services, ensuring that more lives can be saved in the community.
Howarth Foundation: Supporting People Out of Homelessness
Howarth Foundation is a Yorkshire-based charity dedicated to helping individuals escape homelessness and rebuild their lives. Through their Business Building Futures programme, the foundation offers training, mentorship, and employment opportunities to those who have faced hardship. Many of their service users have overcome significant challenges, including addiction recovery and unstable housing situations.
The charity provides not only job training but also essential support such as food, clothing, and travel expenses while individuals transition into employment. They continue to offer assistance for up to two years, ensuring that each person has the best possible chance at long-term stability.
The £4,000 grant will enable Howarth Foundation to expand their training programmes and continue their mission to break the cycle of homelessness through employment opportunities and long-term support.
“As a self-funded charity with no government support, we rely entirely on fundraising events and donations like this to continue our work. In 2024, we supported over 50 individuals, securing employment or training for 15, and helping many more access vital services. Each person we return to work saves the taxpayer up to £100k, but more importantly, it transforms lives. On behalf of the team at Howarth Foundation I would like to sincerely thank you for this immense donation that allows us to carry on work that we are passionate about and see a real and genuine need for.”
Andy Howarth – CEO, The Howarth Foundation
The Minorfern Foundation, established by family-owned vehicle parts distributor SDL Minorfern, is committed to empowering local charities that make a lasting impact. These latest grants will help Dronfield First Responders save lives in medical emergencies and support Howarths Foundation in giving individuals a fresh start.
We are proud to support these inspiring organisations and look forward to seeing the difference they make in their communities. To learn more about the Minorfern Foundation and its initiatives, visit the SDL Minorfern website or search #MinorfernFoundation on social media.
