WORLD CHALLENGE OFFERS COMMUNITY SUPPORT
World Challenge employees have helped make a difference locally by undertaking their very own ‘DIY SOS’ project.
The global schools expeditions company, which has its head office in High Wycombe and works with schools in over 25 countries, paid a visit to Thames Valley Adventure Playground (TVAP) in Taplow, near Maidenhead on Friday (April 11) to help staff and other volunteers rebuild its Sensory Garden, situated in the middle of the 2.5 acre site.
TVAP, a registered charity, has been operating since 1982 and provides a chance for children and adults with all types of special needs to enjoy the fun, freedom and friendship afforded by the opportunity to play and share experiences in a safe and stimulating environment, with users travelling from Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, London and beyond.
World Challenge, part of TUI Travel Group PLC – the world’s largest leisure travel company, encourages all of its employees to take advantage of the TUI Discovery (charity) Day (on company time) each year.
Group MD Matt Eastlake even donned his overalls for the day and was quick to praise the on-going efforts of the TVAP team.
He said: “World Challenge’s ethos is all about challenge, participation and environment and that’s why we were delighted to be able to lend our support and in the process help make a real difference to the Playground, its users and the local community.
“We plan expeditions abroad for over 10,000 students every year so hopefully our experience and knowledge ensured for a successful and rewarding day for everyone concerned. There were plenty of smiling faces which is the most important thing.”
TVAP needs approximately £350,000 a year to stand any chance of surviving – a point reaffirmed by Donations Manager Nicky Hutchinson.
She said: “We were absolutely delighted to have World Challenge’s help with our new Sensory Garden. Such assistance plays a crucial part in the development of the Adventure Playground, enabling us to continue to offer the most stimulating environment possible to our users and their families.
“With over 13,500 visits made to the Playground each year, the support of the local community is a key factor in providing opportunities for meaningful play for children and adults with all types of special needs - opportunities which most people would take for granted, but which can be so hard to experience if you have a disability.
“From all those for whom the Playground is such a lifeline; a huge thank you to everyone from World Challenge involved in the project - we couldn’t have done it without you!”
For more information on TVAP or to donate visit: http://www.tvap.co.uk
For more information about this release or for images, please contact:
Jon Dale
Global Communications Manager
World Challenge
44 (0)7824 016041
jdale@world-challenge.co.uk
World Challenge
17-21 Queens Road
High Wycombe
HP13 6AQ
www.world-challenge.co.uk
