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Bike Gift puts Brandon back in the saddle!
Back in January we heard the sad story about Brandon Foster, who had his brand new BMX stolen by callous thieves in Turnford. We saw the story in the Cheshunt Mercury and were outraged that someone could carry out such a malicious act. We know that this goes on every day of the week, but felt inclined to do something positive, especially when we heard how Brandon suffered from behavioural problems, and the bike was his release to some of his agression. We contacted his mum Sally, via the Mercury, and agreed to help try and replace the bike, and met with her in Cheshunt soon after. We met at Stanley Bridge Cycles in Cheshunt, and Brandon picked out a new bike, and took it away, which was paid for from our Kings in the Community Charity. The staff a Stanley Bridge cycles were fantastic and really helped us and Brandon get the best possible replacement for him! Chris Bramham, director of Kings Group said, "This was a story that touched us, and one of the main reasons why we set up the Charity, to give something back locally. We cant help everyone but when we heard how Sally had worked hard to pay for the bike, only to have it stolen, we had to act! The guys at Stanley Bridge cycles were great, and we couldnt have done this without their assistance, and we would really like to thank them, and also Gemma at the Mercury for taking the time to report on the original story and follow this up." " This is a small gesture but hopefully one that will see the right person is not disadvantaged by callous thieves!" said Mr Bramham. |
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Rett Syndrome
Kings are delighted to support the Rett Syndrome Association UK, after having heard about Francesca Ross from Dunstable, who suffers from this rare genetic disorder. It is very difficult to diagnose, and affects mainly girls, and very rarely boys, but the effects are devastating for the children and their families. Disabilities are profound and the children are totally dependent on those around them, for life. There is little awareness to this condition, but last year there was a breakthrough in research, with the reversal of Rett symptoms in a mouse! Obviously this is a long way from a developed cure, but gives hope to the children and families, that something may happen! Please visit the website for more information, but Kings are trying to do their bit for this cause, and wish them every succes with their efforts in raising both awareness and funding. www.rettsyndrome.org.uk |
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Kings definitely have the M Factor!
Our very own Mr Las Vegas, Chris Bramham, recently appeared in the M Factor at the Mortgage Strategy Awards, at the Grosvenor House in London. The event was organised by Mortgage Strategy Magazine, and this is the second year the event has featured The M Factor, with 4 of the industry's most talented singers taking part. Chris chose an uptempo rendition of Barry Manilow's Copacabana, and was ably assisted by the fantastic Maria Harris from Lloyds Banking Group as Lola! The song had the audience rocking to the music, as a true sense of Las Vegas was brought to the Mortgage Industry. Speaking afterwards, Chris said "It was a real buzz doing the song, particularly as the thought of singing live in front of a specially invited audience of my peers was a bit nerve racking - especially as there was 700 of them!" However, on a more serious note, Chris raised £1700 for Great Ormond Street and KCH's Starfish Appeal for Childrens Cancer, from sponsorship. "It was about 4 minutes of me sending myself up, but it was nothing compared to what these kids suffer, and that's why I did it! However, I haven't exactly been flooded with offers, so I can't give up the day job just yet, but at least somebody has dragged my embarrasment a little further by putting it on You Tube!" explains Chris. If you want to see the video, click this www.youtube.com/watch?v=ib_lZqIMvZs " I would just finally like to thank everyone that kindly sponsored me, and especially to Maria for being a real trooper and getting up on stage with me!" Watch this space for details of the tour! |
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KINGS GO CHRISTMAS CRACKERS FOR CHARITY!!!!
It’s all in a good cause and happens once a year! Kings Group and Metropolis Surveyors put on another action packed Christmas extravaganza this time in aid of children’s cancer. Approx 150 people attended what was part of the long fundraising tradition that the Estate Agency, Lettings Surveying and Financial Services arm of this property group hold in support of good causes. Chris Bramham AKA Kris Kringle said “at this time of the year we have to remember the boys and girls who need our support, who are facing Xmas either in hospital or battling this terrible disease. This is particularly poignant for us this year as one of our own little Grace Benson is fighting this disease and tonight is all part of showing our support for her and her family Mark, Rachel and Reece”. On the night nearly £3,000 was raised and as we have entered 2010 further charity raising events will be held. If you would like to make a donation or are interested in supporting future events, please contact Amanda.Swann. Amanda.swann@kings-group.net. Ho Ho Ho! |
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The Bus Rolls In!
The culmination of 2 1/2 years of fund raising for the Joseph Clarke School for the Visually Impaired, saw the School take delivery of their fantastic new mini bus this week. The striking red minibus will be seen around the local area in weeks to come as the School takes the children and their message out into the wider community. The official handover is next week where there will be an official press launch, but on Sunday 28 June there will be a Charity Cricket Match in Buckhurst Hill to help raise additional funds for the school. A couple of celebrities will be playing in the school team, notably Barry Hearn, and ex Durham and England Cricket international, Simon Brown. Everyone is welcome and there will be a raffle, auction, and a great afternoon should be had by all. Please see the link below if you are unable to attend, but would like to support, www.justgiving.com/buckhursthillcharitycricket The School, Staff, Parents, and most of all the children are delighted with this donation, and Kings Group would like to say a big thankyou to all who have played their part in making this happen, from those who attended some of our events, the ones that bought wristbands, and those that went that extra mile to do something worthwhile. We couldnt have done it without you! We would also like to thank Openwork and their charity, Kids to Care 4, whose financial support got us that extra disctance, and of course, thanks to Gordon at Signs and Designs for making it look striking! In the current economic climate, this is a great feelgood story, and we are proud that despite the rotten press we receive as an industry, this is positive proof that we are not all bad guys! |
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Our Philosophy
At Kings we firmly believe in giving something back to those less fortunate than ourselves, the reason why we formed Kings in The Community. Originally an idea from Karl and Tom, it has been completely embraced by all the staff, friends and family of Kings. We like to believe we can make a difference locally, and whilst it is unlikely we can raise the huge amounts seen on such as Children In Need, that come from much bigger companies, we know we can put something back. We have helped many causes in the past, such as The Neuroblastoma Society,a children's cancer charity, and are now supporting Anne Wafula Strike and the Joseph Clarke School for Visually Impaired Children. Anne is a wheelchair athlete from Harlow, and whilst you may not have heard of her yet, you will, as she is about to represent Great Britain in the Paralympic Games in China this summer. Anne had no training equipment, and an old racing chair, but was doing magnificently despite this. She now has a new chair, and trains regularly. She is not only a dedicated sportsperson and mother, but a fantastic ambassador for disabled people all over the world. Watch out for her, but for more information, you can go to, www.annestrike.com The Joseph Clarke School is an amazing facility based in Highams Park, which does fantastic work with blind and severely disabled children. Some come from as far away as Colchester every day! You only have to see the children's faces to see the positive impact this has on them. The work they do includes teaching them cooking, life skills and allows them to gain their own independance in society. Once a year the older children go on a skiing holiday to Austria. What an amazing challenge that must be! It was an easy decision to support them. Our aim is to buy them a minibus so they can take their work out to wider community. Find out more at, www.joseph-clarke-sc.co.uk Throughout the year we have many events to raise money, such as a Charity Golf day and other social events. Last year we had our Monte Carlo or Bust night, which was a Casino themed evening and guests used their imagination as to what Fancy Dress they wore. You can imagine some of the outrageous costumes. Alongside this was a Barbecue and Poker Tournament, and we raised over £3000 for the charity. Our Staff, friends and Family have been involved in parachute jumps, bike rides, and many have competed twice in the Lord Mayor's Fun Run. Our fundraising events culminate in our Gala Dinner in January where we not only recognise achievements of our staff, but also raise money for Charity. This year was no exception with over 280 guests, and we even had a Scotsman in a kilt winning a signed England Shirt. What an explanation for the excess baggage at Glasgow airport. Thanks to Wembley Stadium for their kind donation. We could not do all these events without the kind and generous sponsorship of our Business Partners. So thanks, HBOS, Abbey, RBS, Platform, Bristol and West, MyHome Move, Gisby Harrison, Njoy IT, and many more. Thanks Guys! If you want to know more about our causes or events, please contact either karl.knipe@kings-group.net or chris.bramham@kings-group.net, or call us on 01707 872000. The greatest gift we have is the ability to make a difference to other people's lives! |
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