AFTER a year giving dedicated support for a Cirencester charity organisation, a firm has been has been recognised in an awards the celebrates the work done by Gloucestershire businesses, for charities in the region.

Last month, creative firm, Havas Helia (HH), who have an office in Cirencester, were joint winners of the corporate award in the Local Business  Charity Awards at the Ellenborough Park Hotel in Cheltenham after being The Churn Project’s (CP) charity partner for the past year.

HH supported the CP by putting together an portfolio of ideas which has helped it raise its profile and generate it more funds, organised an Ice Bucket Challenge fundraiser, and ran a book swap club.

But it was at Christmas time, when the CP were really blown away by the kindness of the firm.

During the festive period, each HH staff member, bought a present or a treat for families that uses the Churn Project's services .

In the weeks leading up to Christmas, they delivered their gifts which included books, sweets and toys to the CP so staff could wrap them up and distribute them, ensuring that every single family received an assortment of treats.

The firm was given a trophy for winning the award and CP also received a cheque for £1000, much to the delight of head of culture communications at HH, Pip Pembroke.

She said: “After a busy year of supporting the Churn Project we’re thrilled to have won the award. Everyone here has been inspired by the incredibly valuable work that the Churn carry out for the people of Cirencester and we’ve so enjoyed working with the Churn team. We’re especially pleased that the charity has received a cheque for £1,000 from the award sponsors – this rounds off a great year of fundraising for them.”

The other joint winner of the Corporate Award was Listers Communications for their support of The Nelson Trust.

The Local Business  Charity Awards were sponsored by Jelf Insurance and Harrison Clark Rickerbys.