Virgin Voyages’ UK sales team has spent a day volunteering at children’s charity Reuben’s Retreat, helping with maintenance and clearing storage space at its premises in Glossop, Derbyshire.
UK Market Director SJ Walker was joined by Sales Managers Jenny Lyons and Kelly Green, and Business Development Manager Alan Fincham, on 23 October to clean, sort donations and carry out general upkeep.
The visit forms part of Virgin Voyages’ partnership with the charity, which supports families who have lost a child or are caring for children with complex, life-limiting medical conditions.
Virgin Voyages has also supported Reuben’s Retreat’s Brick by Brick campaign, which is raising funds for the final phase of transforming a former hospital in Glossop into a place where families can access support, respite and spend time together.
The £2.7m, two-year final scheme will involve the design, construction and furnishing of four fully accessible holiday suites, completing the long-term vision for the site.
SJ said: “Reuben’s Retreat is a very special place, and every time we visit, we’re reminded of the extraordinary work the team does for families facing some of life’s most difficult circumstances.
“We’ve been incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved with our First Mates (travel agents) and industry partners through fundraising, but we also wanted to do something more hands-on. Sometimes it’s the simple things, like clearing out a storeroom or tackling a list of maintenance jobs, that can make a real difference.
“Our partnership was never intended to be a one-off fundraising exercise. We want to build a lasting relationship with Reuben’s Retreat and support them in whatever way we can, whether that’s raising money, spreading awareness or simply rolling up our sleeves and getting stuck in.”
The retreat was set up in 2012 in memory of Reuben Graham, who died from an aggressive brain tumour, aged 23 months old.
