Since its formation in 2015, GAP Group’s Charitable Foundation, GAP Giving, has donated over £300,000 to 356 different charities across the UK and further afield.
Established in 1969 by Gordon Anderson, philanthropy has always been an important part of GAP’s family business story. GAP Giving has embedded these ideals and beliefs even further in the company’s culture, distributing a percentage of the company’s profits to various charities each year.
A £45,000 cheque was presented in 2016 to the Lighthouse Club, a charity that provides financial and emotional support to the construction community and their families.
During the financial year of 2018/19 alone, the company donated £56,624 to 88 different charities including The Brain Tumour Charity, Wish Upon a Dream, CALM and the Samaritans.
There are various ways in which GAP’s Charitable Foundation can help to raise money for good causes. For example, all of GAP’s 1,800+ employees located throughout the UK are encouraged to apply to GAP Giving to nominate a charity they feel is deserving of support. The successful applications result in the chosen charities receiving a donation from GAP. Additionally, the company has a ‘Charity of the Month’ programme which offers every region, division and Head Office department the opportunity to pick a charity to receive a donation of £1,000.
The WWF Scotland panda and Head of Communications, Lexi Parfitt, visited GAP’s Head Office in Glasgow in January 2017 to receive the donation from GAP Giving's Chairperson, Shaneen Waddell.
In addition to making regular donations, GAP operates a matching scheme, named GAP Match, within which GAP will match any employee’s fundraising efforts, up to £750. GAP’s employees can regularly be found taking part in sponsored activities such as coffee mornings and bake sales to outdoor events including walks, marathons, triathlons and three peak challenges.
Shaneen Waddell, GAP Giving's Chairperson, commented: “We are beyond thrilled with what we have achieved so far through GAP Giving and reaching this amazing amount as we enter our 50th year is even more cause to celebrate. It is fantastic that GAP is able to help people and give back to local communities in such a way; it is very humbling to be involved with such worthy causes.
“Of course, the outstanding efforts from our employees have enabled the company to reach this notable milestone – their enthusiasm, compassion and fundraising really makes a difference.”