40 years of making a difference

A bathtub of baked beans that led to a lifetime of memories

Ian Lovett, Chair of the Foundation, reflects on 40 years of personal involvement.

Ian Lovett

A week into life as CEO of Dunbar & Co (later Dunbar Bank) I went to Swindon to meet my fellow Directors. A few steps into our staff restaurant for a working lunch, we were met with the sight of a man in a bathtub full of baked beans – this turned out to be a Board colleague fully immersed in raising funds for the Foundation.I knew then that I had become part of a very special company.This feeling has been constantly reinforced over the years. Together the Partnership and the Foundation have made huge strides and a national impact.From the outset the enormous generosity of both Advisers and colleagues, when gathered together or in the levels of regular giving,
are envied by corporate charities throughout the country.There are warm and proud memories of so many outstanding achievements and in support of many great causes and charities, through our grants and activity programmes.

Some of our most valuable contributions have been through national ‘Partnerships’ with, amongst others, Young Carers, Childrens’ Hospices UK and Action for Kids. Each has provided much needed support where it is needed most – whether mobility equipment for young people, bereavement counselling or support for those suffering from dementia.

Building and fitting out the Openwork School in the Philippines, one of the largest structures in the world built entirely of disused shipping containers.

Presenting a huge (in every sense!) cheque to England footballer Sir Trevor Brooking at the opening of the country’s leading sports and swimming facility for people with spinal injuries – the Mike Heaffy Centre – named after one of our inspirational Advisers.

Since 1995, I have had the most welcome opportunity to be the Chair of the Foundation and, with the help and support of a succession of wonderful long serving committee members, trustees and the talented and committed Midge Story and Sam Tesch, who have both led the Foundation team, we have gone from strength to strength.

Together we have raised more than £20 million and providing life changing support for over 460,000 vulnerable individuals.

The last 18 months have seen us become a fully independent charity following the separation of Openwork from Zurich, who I would like to thank for their amazing support since they acquired the company from BAT.I am confident that the Foundation will go from strength to strength for another 40 years and help many more vulnerable people move from dependence to independence.Thank you to all of you who have played a critical part in helping to fulfil that dream of 40 years ago and helped to provide me and many others with a lifetime of memories."