The work of local charity Hollie Gazzard Trust has been given a boost by staff at Tewkesbury-based Severn Vale Housing, with a cheque for £1250 presented to chairman Nick Gazzard at the company’s annual staff awards.
Staff voted for Hollie Gazzard Trust – which was created following the murder of 20-year-old Hollie Gazzard in 2014 by an ex-partner – to be its corporate charity of the year. Fundraising activities have included dress down days, raffles and an office Bake Off competition, with more events planned for 2018.
Before the awards, Hollie’s father Nick gave a powerful presentation to raise awareness of Hollie’s story, and the work the Trust does to support victims of domestic abuse, coercive control and stalking. Nick also demonstrated Hollie Guard, a free smartphone app developed by the Trust which provides enhanced levels of protection for anyone who feels in an unsafe situation. When downloaded to a smartphone and activated by a shake or tap, Hollie Guard can automatically send location and audio/video evidence to designated contacts, which acts as a safety alert.
Chief executive of Severn Vale Housing, Tim Knight, said: “It’s been fabulous having Nick speak to all our colleagues, talking inspirationally about Hollie and what we can all learn from Hollie’s untimely death. Our staff are delighted to support the trust as our charity of the year, and we will be boosting our fundraising through events, including a car wash, in early 2018.”
Nick Gazzard commented: “We are delighted that Severn Vale housing has chosen the trust as it corporate charity of the year. I was honoured to be able to speak about Hollie and the work of the Trust at their recent awards event and outline where money that they raise will be spent. We are very grateful for all the funds raised through their various fundraising activities and can’t thank them enough. This will really make a difference to a lot of young people’s lives”
