SVA receives outstanding charity contribution accolade

Shoreham Vehicle Auctions (SVA) has been recognised for its outstanding contribution to charity by children’s hospice, Chestnut Tree House.

Recognised with the Outstanding Corporate Supporter accolade at the charity’s biennial Business Awards ceremony, SVA was highlighted as having ‘gone above and beyond to make an outstanding contribution’.

The south coast based, independent vehicle auction operator began its partnership with Chestnut Tree House back in 2011 when it held its inaugural charity auction raising over £1,900 in the process. In 2018 the auction which also included pledges of support raised an incredible £34,000 – a 1,700% increase in seven years.

In addition to the auction, SVA has collection boxes in its reception area. SVA has also sponsored The Snowman Spectacular Fundraising Ball since 2016, and members of the team have also taken part in vents, including a golf day and 10K run.

Receiving the award on behalf of SVA was business development manager, Catherine Stone and office manager, Julie Abrehart.

Catherine, who has led the charity partnership from day one, said, ‘To be given an award and recognised for the work we do for such an amazing charity is truly an honour. The whole team is very proud, and we would like to say a huge thank you to the people of the motor industry who have supported our charity car auction year-after-year. They are the reason that our annual auction is such a huge success as without their generosity we would never have raised nearly £140,000 since we started in 2011. We look forward to another successful year fundraising for Chestnut Tree House Children’s Hospice.’

Sarah Colbourne, head of fundraising at Chestnut Tree House said, ‘Without the ongoing support and generosity of our local community, it would not be possible for us to continue providing the care that is vital to so many children and their families. Businesses – large and small – are a huge part of that, and we would like to say a heartfelt thank you to each and every one of our supporters for everything that they do for Chestnut Tree House.’

The awards, created to recognise businesses and individual employees who are outstanding in their communities, and to thank them for support were hosted by BBC Sussex and BBC Surrey presenter, Allison Ferns, and Chestnut Tree House vice president, Ambrose Harcourt. Over 100 people attended the 2019 Business Awards ceremony, which took place at South Lodge Hotel on Thursday 7 March. Over 80 nominations were received for the awards.