Cadbury Foundation celebrates nearly nine decades of charitable works
pic: Cadbury
Contributing towards a wide range of community projects has been a cornerstone of the Cadbury Foundation, which this week has marked its 89th anniversary, writes Neill Barston.
The philanthropic element of the company was first established to celebrate founding members George and Richard Cadbury’s vision for a true community enterprise.
As the company noted, the foundation, set up in 1935, was originally known as ‘The Charitable Brothers Trust’, and was created from a belief that supporting local areas was a vital part of its overall mission.
This included creating the thriving Bournville community in Birmingham, with an emphasis on green spaces and employee wellbeing, earning the area the nickname ‘The Factory in a Garden’.
Since its beginning, the Cadbury Foundation has been a benefactor to numerous charities across the UK and Ireland, helping businesses to flourish and better serve their communities. Many Cadbury family members served as Trustees over the years with William Cadbury the first Chairman in 1935.
This year marks 200 years of Cadbury, when John Cadbury opened a small grocery on Bull Street in Birmingham, in 1824. In celebration of the milestone anniversary, £200,000, donated by the Cadbury Foundation, is being distributed to 24 local charities voted for at a recent employee experience roadshow.
In the last 15 years alone, the Foundation has donated more than £10 million to registered charities and community partners. It has also engaged with over 250,000 students and adults through its Health for Life programme, which is delivered in schools and promotes an ethos and environment, encouraging a proactive approach to developing a healthy lifestyle.
Today, the Foundation has partnerships with organisations including FareShare and Grocery Aid. In addition to national charities, the Foundation supports smaller UK charities that matter to its employees through various programmes. The Cash Match initiative matches funds raised by colleagues, while the ‘Your Charity Your Choice’ scheme allows employees to nominate and vote for wellbeing-related charities that resonate personally.
Louise Stigant, Chairwoman of the Cadbury Foundation and UK managing director of Mondelēz International, commented: “The Cadbury Foundation was founded in memory of Cadbury brothers, George and Richard, with a mission to continue the work they started.
“As we celebrate Cadbury’s milestone 200-year anniversary, we also celebrate 200 years of community investment, kindness and generosity. We’re extremely proud to uphold the Cadbury brothers’ spirit by supporting numerous incredible charities and projects that positively impact countless lives each year.
“Investing in local communities remains as crucial today as it was in 1935, and it’s fantastic to continue the Foundation’s mission 89 years on.”
