Crews and council staff swap bins for football to raise funds for local charity

SUEZ, a leading UK waste and recycling company, has been working in partnership with Maidstone Borough Council for the past two years, delivering essential waste collection and street cleansing services to residents. While the two teams may have gone head-to-head on the pitch, they work closely together off it, collaborating to keep the borough clean and well maintained.

Cheered on by colleagues, friends, family and representatives from Dandelion Time, the two teams took to the pitch, with a bake sale adding to the lively atmosphere and contributing to the fund-raising effort. In an average football game players will run 7 miles, that’s the same distance SUEZ operatives will walk every single day on their collection rounds. The SUEZ team secured the win with a final score of 6–2. 

Thanks to the combined generosity of everyone who played, baked, and came along to lend their support, the event raised £800 to support Dandelion Time’s vital therapeutic work. 

SUEZ team captain and contract supervisor, Richard Smith, said: "We may have been rivals on the pitch for 90 minutes, but our joint fundraising effort shows the strength of our partnership with the Council and our shared commitment to helping local families. I’m proud of the enthusiasm and generosity of our team, events like this not only raise essential funds, they also shine a light on Dandelion Time’s vital work supporting families across Kent."

Cllr Clive English, Deputy Leader of Maidstone Borough Council and Cabinet Member for Environmental Services and Enforcement, said: “This was a great opportunity for our crews and staff to come together with SUEZ and support a local charity that makes a real difference to families in Maidstone. The strong turnout and fundraising effort highlight the commitment of everyone involved, not only to delivering essential frontline services every day, but also to supporting the wider community. Events like this help strengthen partnerships and raise awareness of important local organisations such as Dandelion Time.”

Lizzie Hoskins, Corporate Relationship Manager at Dandelion Time, said: “We are incredibly grateful to SUEZ and Maidstone Borough Council for their fantastic fundraising efforts at the Gallagher Stadium. It was a truly enjoyable evening, and a real pleasure to attend and represent Dandelion Time among such a supportive community. The £800 raised will make a meaningful difference, helping us continue our work supporting vulnerable children and families across Kent. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved for their generosity and commitment.”