On 6th November, over 100 members of the private equity industry rose to the Private Equity Foundation’s latest challenge, to take up tools at its 2009 Annual Day of Community Engagement.  The volunteers were involved in developing an outdoor activities site in Newham, London, run by Private Equity Foundation portfolio charity, Community Links, for local disadvantaged children and young people.  The borough, which has the youngest population in the UK, also has a child poverty rate of 58 per cent.

Newly opened this summer, Outdoors in the City aims to provide the experience, excitement, risks and challenges associated with the great outdoors, in the inner city.  Through its use of adventure activities such as climbing and abseiling, it is able to engage with children and young people who may be unemployed, homeless, involved in crime, drug or alcohol abuse, are disabled or have special educational needs.

14 of the Private Equity Foundation’s member and supporter firms were involved in an array of tasks during the day, ranging from putting up fencing for an archery area and building a climbing wall, to designing and fitting an orienteering course around the park and creating a barbeque area.  Together, they shifted 12 tonnes of earth, mixed 60 bags of cement and used 150 litres of paint. 

But it wasn’t all hard work.  Participants also took part in a keenly contested team building competition on the low ropes assault course.   Team Canary Wharf, drawn from Apax Partners and Kirkland and Ellis, came in first to win a go on a simulated parachute jump or zip wire.  Joint second place was taken by team Baker Street, including further volunteers from Apax Partners as well as from Weil, Gotshal & Manges, and team North Greenwich, from Ernst & Young.

Shaks Ghosh, Chief Executive of the Private Equity Foundation, said “A central part of the Private Equity Foundation’s role is to provide opportunities for the private equity industry to come together to support charities and our annual day of community engagement does just that.” 

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those people who took time out of the office to join us in making the day such a success.  Initiatives such as Outdoors in the City are so important for breaking down barriers and enthusing and challenging children and young people who have been given few chances in life.  The facilities we’ve contributed will be enjoyed for years to come.”

Geraldine Blake, Chief Executive of Community Links, added “We're delighted to have the practical support and physical energy of so many employees in the private equity industry through this exciting volunteering initiative with the Private Equity Foundation - one day can make such a difference!”

The event followed the Private Equity Foundation’s successful launch of its Annual Day of Community Engagement format last year, when private equity professionals came together to finish the outside area of a new community centre in Rokeby, Newham, which the Private Equity Foundation had funded.  One year on, the facility, also run by Community Links, has proved hugely popular with over 600 people having taken part in its activities including essential after school, holiday, youth and stay and play clubs, as well as football, aerobics, bingo and coffee mornings.  A recent survey of residents found that 80 per cent felt that the area had improved since the centre opened.

Please click here to see photographs of the day.

For further information and images please contact Rosie Davey at rosie@privateequityfoundation.org or call 020 7749 5129 / 07827 804066