The power of volunteering
The initiative forms part of SUEZ's employee volunteering programme, which allows team members to spend one working day each year supporting a local charity, school or community organisation of their choice. Over the past five years, East-the-Water Primary School has benefited significantly from the scheme, with SUEZ volunteers contributing their time to projects that enhance the learning environment for pupils.
This summer, teams from across Devon dedicated a total of 19 volunteer days to the school. Volunteers included SUEZ staff from across Devon including, logistics drivers and specialist bicycle technicians from a SUEZ reuse hub.
While pupils enjoyed their summer break, volunteers were busy preparing the school for their return. The team cleared weeds and overgrown vegetation from fencing, strimmed grass around the school's popular BMX track, removed and replaced unsafe decking, and refreshed indoor areas by painting hallways between classrooms.
In addition, SUEZ bicycle technicians carried out maintenance and servicing on more than 40 bikes, ensuring they were safe and ready for pupils to use when term resumed. The bikes play an important role in helping children enjoy the school's outdoor facilities, including the BMX track that was officially opened last year.
Rob Andrews, Area Supervisor for SUEZ, said: "Partnering with East-the-Water Primary School to provide volunteer support has made a real difference to the school's environment. The BMX track is a fantastic way to encourage children to engage in outdoor activities and develop their cycling skills, so being able to help service the bikes was particularly important.
"Volunteering at the school is always enthusiastically supported by our Devon colleagues because they know the positive impact it has on local children and the wider community."
Headteacher Adam Buckridge praised the volunteers' contribution and said: "This is a prime example of how working with our local community can benefit both the school and its pupils. Much of this work simply would not have been completed over the summer without the support of the SUEZ volunteers.
"I am delighted that our children now have access to fully serviced bikes and improved outdoor spaces to enjoy. A huge thank you to everyone involved. The work they have carried out will have a lasting impact on our school."