Group shot of 11 people standing in a row. The person on the far left is wearing a yellow high vis vest and the person on the far right is wearing a yellow high vis jacket. Everyone else is wearing a blue high vis jacket over warm winter clothes. They are standing in a warehouse and are surrounded by stacks of cardboard boxes

A partnership that makes a difference

A chance to get out of the office and have a tangible impact was what first inspired colleagues at Hargreaves Lansdown (HL) to try corporate volunteering. 

Since those days in the FareShare South West warehouse, the partnership has evolved while the commitment to making a difference in local communities remains unchanged. 

Today, the Bristol-based financial firm supports FareShare South West through the HL Foundation as their charity partner, as well as in many other ways.

It’s a partnership that is mutually beneficial. 

“Now, we’re in the brilliant position where we can support FareShare South West with charitable donations and a food drive, as well as the corporate volunteering,” says Martha Girling, Responsible Business Manager at Hargreaves Lansdown.  

“FareShare South West is a brilliant example of an organisation that ticks so many boxes. 

A woman with brown hair wearing a green dress with pink and black print is smiling at the camera. She stands behind a desk with items of food, including cans and packets, and a couple of sheets of paper with the FareShare South West logo on and 'winter food collection' written on. There is a large, blank TV screen to one side of her and brown wooden cupboards behind

“It’s not just the sustainability credentials behind the surplus waste and the redistribution of food; it’s the fact that this is utilised and then supports people who are in direct need. It supports community groups, it supports school groups and it allows people to have access to nutritional high-quality food that they might not get otherwise. 

“It enables us to support an organisation that has such a far-reaching impact, supporting and connecting so many people and organisations across Bristol.”

‘Transformational’ support 

Hargreaves Lansdown’s long-term commitment has been a game-changer for FareShare South West, says our Head of Fundraising Sophie Coles: 

“This partnership developed over many years, through volunteering opportunities and ad hoc support into a transformational three-year commitment.  

“We couldn’t be prouder to have been nominated by HL colleagues for the charity partnership. Seeing the same people returning year in, year out to volunteer in our hubs is testament to the commitment from individuals, as well as the wider team. 

“The value of this partnership is more than the funds raised, hours volunteered and food collected. Knowing we have the support of HL Foundation for a three-year period has enabled us to plan strategically, reduce some of the risk and uncertainty that charities face in their fundraising targets.  

“We’re incredibly grateful to HL colleagues for being so invested in our work and our future.” 

Woman with dark brown hair wearing a white t-shirt and red bodywarmer under a yellow high vis vest reaches up to pick an apple from a tree. She is smiling and her other hand has a green glove on and is holding three apples. The apple tree and grass beyond is visible in the background

A day out of the office to make a difference

No two days are the same at FareShare South West. HL colleagues could be volunteering in the warehouse, sorting and packing orders to go to charities and community organisations.  

They have joined days out picking apples at a nearby orchard – fresh, local produce to be shared with local communities. HL teams also support FareShare South West’s vital winter work, packing food parcels for families through the Christmas holidays. 

Volunteers Katie and Josie joined FareShare South West on a gleaning day in a Gloucestershire orchard, picking apples that would otherwise go to waste. 

They said: “It’s been very interesting to learn how this produce is getting to the people that need it and limiting waste. And it’s just been so nice to be outside, getting out of the office and doing something a bit different so we’re having a great day.” 

A group of 11 people are gathered in an orchard. All but two are wearing yellow high vis vests. The person at the far right is crouching down wearing an orange high vis vest and holding an apple. The person third from the left is crouching behind a golden retriever dog and wearing a black vest. All are smiling at the camera. There is grass in the foreground and trees beyond

A rewarding partnership 

Speaking about corporate volunteering opportunities, Martha says: “Our colleagues love it. It’s really hard to pinpoint what it is, but I think knowing that the work you’ve done, every minute you’re there, every box you pack, every item of food you put into a crate, that’s all going to be utilised and it’s going to help people across Bristol. 

“You walk away and you know you’ve done something that is rewarding and it’s going to have a positive impact and that’s great.” 

A shared commitment 

Martha adds: “FareShare South West have been great in supporting Hargreaves Lansdown. You make it easy for us to help have an impact. That sounds quite small, but it’s brilliant to work with an organisation who are so clear on their purpose that when working with corporates, you just make us feel comfortable. 

“And it’s a really strong partnership. We want to help and we want to support you. And I think the fact that we can is brilliant.” 

Anna Louden, Chair of HL Foundation, says her team are proud to support their local food charity. 

“FareShare South West plays a vital role in our region, turning surplus food into a lifeline for thousands of people.

 “I’m proud that our colleagues chose to stand behind an organisation that tackles hunger with such scale, compassion and ingenuity. Supporting FareShare South West means supporting stronger, fairer communities and that’s a commitment we’re honoured to make.”

Close up of a large glass building. Large letters on the front say: Bristol, we're with you. The Hargreaves Lansdown logo is at the top right of the building and there is blue sky in the background

You can find out more about partnership and corporate volunteering opportunities at FareShare South West here Corporate volunteering – FareShare South West.