A TEAM of five from UK Flooring Direct (UKFD) went along to the RSPCA Coventry and District Branch in Allesley, where they were given tasks such as painting an outside fence and helping tidy up indoors to make the centre even more appealing to the staff and the animals they care for.

The branch had rehomed more than 300 animals by late last year and has a waiting list of 69 dogs and 74 cats waiting for a space to come into the centre.

The full day’s work came about through UKFD’s employer supported volunteering (ESV) programme where staff are given a day of paid leave to volunteer with a charity, organisation or good cause.

The RSPCA Coventry and District Branch is one of four local organisations that UKFD, a UK online retailer of wood and laminate flooring, has partnered with to deliver its ESV programme.
Staff at the company can choose to volunteer their time at one of those organisations or opt for a different cause close to their heart.

The team that went along to the RSPCA Coventry and District Branch included staff from several different departments including the company’s sales team and its warehouse.

Charlotte Hawthorne, from the RSPCA Coventry and District Branch, introduced the team to some of the animals, including a dog named Frank, before setting them to work.

She said: ‘We’re so grateful to be partnering with UKFD as part of the company’s ESV programme. There are so many jobs we don’t get time to do because all of our time is spent taking care of our animals, so having the team from UKFD come in was a massive help.

‘The weather wasn’t too kind for the outdoor work but we managed to get some of the painting done and there were plenty of other things for them to work on! I think they all really enjoyed it and could see the benefit they were bringing.

‘There are lots of dogs and cats waiting to come into us and it’s great that we’ve been able to make it even more welcoming!’

Ashleigh McKenna, HR advisor at UKFD, said: ‘It’s really important to us that we give back to the communities where we’re based, and our ESV programme really helps us to get out to great causes such as the RSPCA Coventry and District Branch.

‘On top of that, it’s great for team morale and team building and shows everyone inside and outside the company the kind of values we have as a business. We look forward to seeing more members of the team going out to the RSPCA and ensuring we continue to support the great work they do in the city.’
www.ukflooringdirect.co.uk