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The power of giving back time at Whitechapel Mission

Throughout the year, our colleagues donate not only funds but their time to make a difference. Volunteering brings the act of giving one step closer, by getting truly involved in the spirit of charity.

Ardonagh Specialty's Charity Committee organise a range of volunteering opportunities, including a cause close to the City of London, homelessness charity, Whitechapel Mission.

The ACT team joined a team from Price Forbes for an early morning start to help out serving breakfast for over 100 people who benefit from Whitechapel Mission's support.

Whitechapel Mission is located in the heart of London, just around the corner from Specialty's offices in the City. The charity has been serving the homeless and marginalised in the local community for over 150 years, with its services including a day centre, skills training and career advice, activity programmes and specialist support for complex needs.

Key to their approach is dignity. By giving people choice, ownership and a sense of autonomy, they offer a precious opportunity to take steps towards a brighter future.

With numbers using their services up 25%, their offering is more important than ever. Relying solely on public funding and volunteers to make sure their doors can remain open 365 days for many more years ahead.

Teas and coffees in high demand early in the morning at Whitechapel Mission.
Joe Jefferys has come to know Whitechapel Mission very well by organising regular volunteering days.
Whitechapel is really close to the City. It's something which you might walk past, you can be in a bubble and not even realise. But there are so many people at the company who are really keen and want to help out, and every month there's people who want to get involved. Whitechapel sustains through funding and volunteering, which is a feat in itself, and the people who run it are superstars.
Joe Jefferys, Ardonagh Specialty

Over the past year, Joe Jefferys in the Specialty team has hosted several Ardonagh team volunteering events with Whitechapel Mission, with a group of colleagues preparing and serving a hearty breakfast for up to 200 people.

Judging by the popular demand to get involved, the 5am start has put off no one with the team buttering bread, stirring coffees, preparing eggs, beans, hash browns, and much more to serve up breakfast to anyone who comes through the door in the way they want it.

The ACT team joined Joe and the Specialty team to experience volunteering in action and to learn more about the cause.

We are open every day of the year and we start each morning by offering the opportunity of using the bathrooms, taking your time with the dignity and respect that comes with you. A cup of coffee made to order how you want it, a full cooked English breakfast with what you want, and an opportunity for a shower and free clothing. The concept is that if we take care of the physical body, what is the excuse for not engaging with the advice workers, the counsellors and others here who have a goal to make a difference long term and change your situation?
Tony Miller, Director, Whitechapel Mission
Cooking up breakfast before beneficiaries arrive at 8am.
Full English, toast and cereals are all available alongside teas and coffees.

All Ardonagh employees have access to a paid day of volunteering leave each year to give back to a cause of choice.

From clearing community gardens, wrapping charity Christmas gifts, packing food parcels and renovating outdoor spaces, our people get involved with a huge range of charities that matter to them.

A job well done! Then end of another busy breakfast at Whitechapel Mission.