On July 10th, in a sunny corner of Rainham alongside the Thames, The London Riverside Business Improvement District (BID) welcomed guests Margaret Mullane MP, Councillor Matthew Stanton, BID members and local community groups to the newly opened Belvedere, a covered seating area overlooking the river, to talk about how businesses can support local charitable work. The aim of the day was to help local businesses find causes that they can support.

Among the companies were Forest Freight, Goldschmidt (Thermit Welding), RUBI, Smith Brothers Stores, Fairview Industrial Park, SEGRO, Road Techs Group and SG Technologies. Community Groups represented were the Mardyke Centre, Havering Learning Disability Society, Rainham Foodbank and Havering Association for People with Disabilities (HAD).

Different ways were explored for companies to participate in or support community work, from donating learning and art materials, volunteering staff time and joining fundraising events like HAD’s golf day, as well as making financial donations.

Among the day’s accomplishments was another year of funding for Havering Learning Disability Society’s bus, which takes disabled children to their weekly swimming club, generously donated by FH Brundle, and commitments to Mardyke Centre’s Christmas community events.  New connections were made and conversations started that will build valuable relationships over the coming years.

Ilker Dervish, BID Chairman, thanked guests and said: ‘The community groups here today play an important role not just in supporting families and individuals in need, but acting as a bridge between them and the education, jobs, and social integration that creates successful local economies.  It makes good business sense for us to aid their work, which improves the quality of life for those in need, helps alleviate poverty and supports personal achievement, especially for young people.’

The Belvedere, where the event took place, and a new community garden have been built by the London Riverside BID in a peaceful meadow by the Thames that has been safeguarded for public use.  Adjacent to the RSPB Rainham Marshes, this small corner of natural green space is rich with local history and points of interest on the way to the RSPB’s visitor centre in Purfleet.  The work has been funded by the Mayor of London’s Good Growth Fund and Havering Council, and is open for all the community to enjoy.

BID Members who want to learn more or be introduced to volunteering opportunities can contact the BID team on info@londonriversidebid.co.uk