Corporate community involvement has increased manifold says Lord Mayor

Corporate community involvement has become a vital ingredient in the charitable sector, according to a survey by the City of London Corporation.

Lord Mayor of the City of London David Wootton launched the survey at a Mansion house event to announce the 25^th annual Lord Mayor’s Dragon Award. He explained how small businesses are participating in long-term corporate community partnerships even with limited staff and resources.

Lord Mayor of the City of London David Wootton said: “Partnerships of businesses and community organisations, working together on important social and economic regeneration projects in their local area, are vital to the development and overall wellbeing of our society. I therefore urge businesses – big or small, from all parts of the Greater London area and from all walks of life – to come forward and showcase the important work they have done in their local communities.”

The Lord Mayor’s Dragon Awards recognises efforts that companies have made in sectors such as education, economic regeneration and social inclusion.

Last year, construction company Lakehouse bagged the Economic Regeneration Award for establishing the Building Lives Training Academy which “delivers a structured construction training programme to marginalised groups and guarantees graduates a job by working in partnership with a consortium of employers.”  

David Anyan, a 25-year-old student at Lakehouse’s Building Lives Academy, said: “I’ve been unemployed and homeless so I know how important it is to have qualifications and training behind you. Lakehouse’s Building Lives Academy has given me knowledge of the construction industry and skills so I can work and support myself. While training with Lakehouse, I even helped build my new home which I’ll be moving into this month, which is an amazing feeling.”

The closing date for applications for the Dragon Awards is on May 28, 2012. Winners will be announced at the Lord Mayor’s Dragon Awards gala ceremony at Mansion House on 3 October.