VOLUNTEERS from Leeds Building Society swapped suits for PPE and laptops for saws and spades when they turned out in force to spend a day along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal.
The group of 16, including the society’s chairman Iain Cornish, were accompanied by colleagues from Canal & River Trust who also shared their skills and knowledge about carpentry and gardening and told the volunteers about the heritage and nature they could see along the canal.
As well as fixing fencing on Lock 1, a listed structure and one of the most well-used lock bridges in Leeds, they also cleared vegetation and planted bulbs at Whitehall Riverside Pocket Park, situated between the canal and the River Aire.
Mr Cornish said: “We are pleased to have made a positive impact on the loc
al environment through the hard work of the team. Volunteering is a great opportunity to get outside and spend time with colleagues across the business, and it is great to see people enjoying the experience and caring for the canal and river that flows past our offices.”
In just a few hours, the volunteers had made a visible difference, improving the environment along the waterfront, just metres from their canalside offices in Leeds city centre.
Becca Dent, CRT business and corporate engagement partner, said: “Through its corporate volunteering, Leeds Building Society very much supports our essential work to #KeepCanalsAlive.
“The substantial sum of money donated has enabled us to buy wood to repair fencing. Colleagues regularly volunteer with the trust and they have also adopted a mile-long section of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.”
Volunteer Frankie Stacey said: “It’s great to get out of the office and chat to people from different teams across the business while doing things you’d never usually get the opportunity to do. It is rewarding to feel like you’re really making a difference.” Lindsey Mountain added: “This is the third time I’ve signed up to do volunteering on the canal. It’s a great team event and it’s great for well-being, getting to know colleagues, and having an impact on the environment outside of our place of work
