CMPP Members and supporters gathered for a special event, superbly hosted by the Aviator Hotel in Farnborough: the Festive Celebration Breakfast at which we highlight the achievements of the year and launch our latest Social Impact Report.
This Celebration event has become something of a tradition: it's a heartwarming occasion to launch the festive season and a time to reflect on the power of collective action to benefit the communities in which many of us live and work.
Joining CMPP staff and Trustees were representatives from over 30 local business partners who have generously supported the work the Charity in 2023. Many more well-wishers, unable to attend, sent messages of support and encouragement.
Tracey Shrimpton, Deputy Chair of Trustees, spoke passionately of the importance of the activities captured in outline in the Social Impact Report 2023: 'I first became involved in CMPP over 5 years ago. From the first meeting, what struck me was the energy in the room created by the connection that everyone had, uniting behind a common purpose – to make a difference in the local community.
It's really inspiring to hear from recipients the difference that CMPP makes and hearing from Members how proud they are to be part of such a fantastic cause.
It really made me feel that this is something I had to be part of.
I am amazed by the breadth and depth of activity, delivered by a small, dedicated staff, that the charity delivers - and the impact that every single Member makes through corporate volunteering. Amid the many highlights of the year, what stands out for me is, as it says in the Report, that the community is everybody’s business.'
Speaking on behalf of Yateley Industries, a beneficiary of CMPP Members' activity, CEO Sheldon McMullan, praised the efforts of Members:
'Yateley Industries has been transformed by CMPP; the staff and the many volunteers have invested hours and hours of labour this year, worth thousands of pounds, achieving improvements which we would never have been able to afford.'
Simon Jarvis, CMPP CEO, took the opportunity to thank the many businesses which have provided resources and services to CMPP over the year. In particular, he paid tribute to the generosity of:
Aviator Hotel and Farnborough Airport
Blackbushe Airport
Branston Adams
Euroforest
Farnborough International
Fluor
Herrington Carmichael
Hi-Speed Services
Signwrite Studios
Source Supplies
UK Connect
Village Hotel
Simon also took the opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary contribution of two individuals who have each provided encouragement for CMPP since it was founded over a decade ago. They are both CMPP supporting superstars!
Ian Dawkins whose company, Hi-Speed Services, have been major headline sponsors of the Twilight Runway Challenge, since it began and without which support this wonderful event could not take place
(Ian Dawkins receives his award from Simon Jarvis)
Steve Grimmett, Head of Zurich Community Trust, whose unwavering commitment to the CMPP vision, has helped it to develop from a small community interest company to become the social enterprise and registered charity it is today.
(Steve, pictured centre with Sheldon McMullan, right, and Simon)
'Sometimes the impact of this work is obvious but more often it’s invisible; benefits are not felt at once but emerge somewhere down the line. Like pebbles dropped in water - the ripples continue and spread. It may be that you aren’t aware of just what a difference your contribution has made to a group or an individual. That’s why it’s difficult to capture or quantify the real social impact what you do has on real people - it’s very difficult to measure ‘feeling’...
But be in no doubt that it does have a positive impact, as the feedback I receive tells me time and time again. I know that this work - your work - has a huge impact on the mental health and well-being of your staff as much well as those who benefit from their efforts in our communities.'
The Celebration also marked the conclusion of the CMPP Toy Appeal - dozens more gifts for children were donated, adding to the mountain of 1,000 plus toys already gratefully collected, wrapped and distributed by CMPP elves! The enormous success of this appeal shines like a beacon of positivity, reflecting the kindness and spirit of all those people who do so much for others in the locality, and with whom it is our great privilege to work.
Thank you to all who those who joined us at the Aviator and also to the many others who have partnered with us over 2023.
See you in the New Year!
Our Social Impact Report 2023 can be read in full and downloaded here.
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