JR Holland Food Services will be rolling out a programme of in-kind contributions to community projects in the North East area as part of its expanding corporate social responsibility policy.
The Team Valley based business, which supplies fresh produce to local authorities and businesses throughout the region,has taken on this initiative to contribute to its native North East community.
The first project to sign up to the programme is the renowned Stepney Banks Stables, a charitable organisation based in Newcastle’s Ouseburn Valley in which horses are used to motivate, educate and pass on key social skills to disadvantaged and hard to reach groups.
Dennis Hutchinson, managing director of JR Holland Food Services, said: “Our business prides itself on quality, service and price, yet underlying this we have always been a very ethical company that looks after its employees as well as customers. Because of our ethos we have enjoyed great success in the region and we feel that its time to give something back.”
JR Holland Food Services will be making a weekly delivery of fresh fruit and vegetables, including apples, carrots and turnips, for the 25 horses housed by Stepney Banks Stables on a continual basis. This gesture will contribute to the welfare of the horses, which are currently enjoyed by the stables’ 400 regular users.
Susan Tron, general manager of Stepney Banks Stables, said: “We are very appreciative of this kind gesture. As our horses do not have the opportunity to graze naturally it is very important that they receive fresh fruit and vegetables for sustenance in their diet so that they are healthy and well, to carry out the work they do within the community.
“It’s great to hear that a successful local company is taking the time and the effort to give back to the community and JR Holland Food Services should be commended for their initiative.”
