Foresters reaffirm commitment to local community

BROMLEY, U.K. - Feb. 10, 2014 - PRLog -- For the third consecutive year Foresters, the international financial services organisation, has been proud to sponsor the employment of a member of road crossing patrol staff at the Parish C of E School.

The Parish C of E School is located on the outskirts of Bromley with much of the school currently housed in a mansion building dating back to 1770.  The two-form entry primary school, which has previously occupied other sites, can probably boast being the oldest educational establishment in the Borough, with a history dating back to 1717.

Pupils, families and staff at the school were delighted to receive a visit last month from Steve Dilworth, Managing Director, Member Network UK, Foresters, who presented a cheque for £3,000 to help employ a road crossing patrol to enable safe passage for the pupils across busy London Lane, where the school is located.

Foresters, whose UK head office is also situated in Bromley, first contributed £2,500 to the school for the continued employment of a lollipop person in 2011, (followed by a £3,000 contribution in 2012) following news from Bromley Council in 2010 that, although able to continue providing training, equipment and insurance for crossings across the borough, the council could no longer fund the employment of a member of patrol staff.

When Foresters were alerted to these cuts by some of their local members, they saw the opportunity to collaborate with the council to make a real difference within their local community and help a school which would otherwise struggle to keep this vital service going.

Steve Dilworth from Foresters comments “Supporting the well-being of our members, their families and their communities is integral to our organisation.  Having a member of patrol staff at the crossing at busy times is paramount to the safety of the pupils and we have seen the value to the whole school community over the past three years we have been able to help provide this service for them.  Investing in the community is an important part of who we are and by providing financial support for the school crossing we are able to help maintain as safe a route as possible for pupils travelling to and from school”

Councillor Colin Smith comments upon the council’s partnership with Foresters as a “proud association with a local business which is demonstrating true commitment to community engagement in these still very troubled economic times.”

Headteacher Hilary Richardson adds “The generosity of Foresters to match-fund the Borough of Bromley’s contribution shows a real commitment to the local community, for which we are extremely grateful.”

The provision of a lollipop lady at the busy crossing outside the school is a huge reassurance for the school community.

Well-respected crossing patrol staff member Sharon Salter said: “If it wasn’t for the generosity of Foresters it would not be possible for me to be employed in the job I love as lollipop lady, and the children’s welfare would be at risk every time that they crossed the road”

To find out more, please visit www.foresters.com