Society

Our association with Sightsavers started in 2001 with initial annual funding of £10,000, for a three year period. This donation was used to support work in Pakistan through Sightsavers partners The Layton Rahmatulla Benevolent Trust (LRBT), and covered eye operations, essential equipment and training for Korangi Hospital in Karachi and their out-reach clinics.

In addition to our annual donation, we funded the equipping of a clinic dealing specifically with child blindness, which is now fully operational.

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In 2003 an IPR employee asked if we would support Crisis over the Christmas period as his partner regularly gave up her time to help with the homeless of London. That year we gave a one-off donation which helped fund the essential services at the ‘Open Christmas’ including provision of food and shelter, medical services, counselling, housing and financial advice, and a learning and skills zone offering a range of training.

We were impressed by this and visited their London offices to see some workshops in progress and, as a result, they too are now one of our nominated charities to whom we provide funding of £60,000 over a three year period. Our ongoing donation will enable Crisis to expand the essential services provided each year across all centres.

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Our relationship with The Queen Elizabeth Foundation began when International Power assisted with the start-up costs for an assessment and development (A&D) centre based at the Foundation’s training college. This included the funding of key personnel, transport, and refurbishment of essential facilities to aid the disabled. The A&D centre was created to provide the necessary support and monitoring to ensure greater success in trainees’ vocational training.

Very severely disabled young people come to the centre to continue with their education, and learn essential practical life skills that will allow them to take greater control over their own lives. Most come directly from special schools. These young people progress from assisted living in supported accommodation to living independently, during their final year of training.

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More recently we have developed a relationship with Wellchild, a charity that works to find ways to prevent and cure childhood disease and illness, and to improve the treatment and care of sick children. For more than 25 years, they have been instrumental in improving the treatment of many childhood illnesses including cancer, diabetes, meningitis, cystic fibrosis and liver disease.

After discussion with Wellchild we decided to support their Community Nurse programme in the Tower Hamlets area and, in conjunction with Clifford Chance, we are providing a major part of the finance required for this post. This nurse provides much needed help and support for families with chronically sick children living at home. The practical support that this nurse can offer is a lifeline for families struggling to look after a sick child.

Read more about Wellchild.