Guests heard inspirational addresses from CRASH Trustee and Argent LLP Partner Tony Giddings and CRASH Chairman Ian Tyler who both spoke about the incredible impact that Construction and Property companies can make working in a collaborative manner alongside CRASH.
And the fact that this innovative approach has received recognition from Downing Street only serves to further strengthen the charity’s resolve to remain true to the remit of focusing on improving buildings that offer shelter and security to vulnerable people.
It was then the turn of CRASH Chief Executive Francesca Roberts who thanked all Patron companies for their continued loyalty and support.
Introducing a film about the recently completed project at Pilsdon, Francesca said: “This has been the year when we have been able to take what CRASH does for homelessness charities to a new level. The project at Pilsdon shows what companies in the industry can achieve that helps people now and also leaves a legacy for the future.
“CRASH is unique. The companies that support CRASH not only give time, but critically the expertise their people have whether it is surveyors, engineers or project managers. And that is what charity should be about, about people sharing what they are good at, sharing something of themselves.
“Yes donations of money are important but it is blending that with the gifts that people have, their expertise, what they are naturally good at. It is taking the time and the trouble to share those gifts that makes such a difference and sets CRASH apart as a charity. The Construction and Property Industry has every reason to feel immensely proud of what they have created and sustained in CRASH.”
Speeches were followed by awards for Patrons and individuals who had gone Above and Beyond for CRASH in the past year.
Trophies were awarded to BAM Construction Ltd as Patron Providing the Greatest Value of Professional Expertise to CRASH 2013/14, British Gypsum as Patron Donating the Largest Supply of Materials to CRASH 2013/14 and to EC Harris LLP as Patron Raising the Most Additional Donations for CRASH 2013/14.
Salvers were presented to British Gypsum In recognition of 20 years of loyalty and commitment to CRASH and to AECOM and Argent LLP in recognition of 10 years of loyalty and commitment to CRASH.
Pilsdon Community’s Dilys Hunt received the Tony Denison Award 2014. “We give this award to a person who we believe has shown many of the same characteristics and gifts that Tony did when he created and developed CRASH,” said Francesca. “It is my pleasure to present this award on behalf of CRASH and the Industry to a person who shows integrity, vision, tenacity and compassion all delivered with a large measure of humour and modesty.”
Special thanks goes to everyone at Argent LLP for hosting the Reception and their incredible generosity, to Knauf for providing the excellent wine, to Mike O’Dwyer for his wonderful photography skills and to everyone who joined us.
