Preston charity receives unexpected cash windfall
Last week renowned local employer Sika Ltd, the UK arm of international Sika Group, held a Global Sustainability workshop, culminating in a visit to local charity Preston Vocational Centre (PVC). Sika sustainability champions from Australia, Canada, USA, Brazil, Japan, Serbia, Romania, Africa and Switzerland all took part.
Sika is a world-leader in the development of sustainable materials for the construction, manufacturing and building industries and places great store on corporate social responsibility. It supports our charitable subsidiary Preston Vocational Centre, in its work transforming the lives of local young people, who study construction courses at its base on St. Paul’s Road. Since it opened 13 years ago, PVC tutors has worked with more than 6,000 students who have gained City and Guilds qualifications, along with important life skills. In 2021 it won best educational establishment at the prestigious BIBA business awards.
VIP guest Martin Grayston, PVC Centre Manager invited delegates back for sustainability-themed team-building events. Sika staff tried their hand at joinery, making bird tables out of old pallets; plastering with recycled lime cement and sand and creating individually designed tiles. The day concluded with Sika presenting a cheque for £3,000 to centre staff.
Martin said: “It was a fabulous honour to welcome Sika colleagues in person. They have been incredible supporters of PVC for many years, providing training, graduate awards, tools and materials. This surprise financial donation today is most welcome. It will go a long way to boosting the life chances of more local young people in Preston and beyond, who aspire to a career in construction.”
Find out more about Preston Vocational Centre by clicking here.