Bluestone Forges Strategic Partnership with PAVS
Bluestone forges strategic partnership with PAVS to drive forward ambitious community investment programme
Bluestone National Park Resort has announced a strategic partnership with the Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services (PAVS) which will see funds raised by the resort’s Foundation channeled to grassroots causes across the county.
Initially established in 2014 and overseen by Bluestone’s Commercial and Operations Director, Pamela McNamara, the Bluestone Foundation has already supported a range of local projects.
These include the VC Gallery - an organisation in Haverfordwest bringing together veterans and the community to engage through art - the Dragon LNG Darwin Experience, Value Independence, the Haverfordwest Town Museum, and the Sunderland Trust.
Now a formal partnership with PAVS will enable the Foundation to redouble its efforts with the addition of the Bluestone Foundation Community Fund, to broaden its community impact by sourcing those environmental, economic, and social projects most in need across the county.
Pembrokeshire groups and projects will now be able to formally apply for grants and support, worth up to £5000 from the Bluestone Foundation Community Fund with the help of PAVS. All applications will be carefully considered on a quarterly basis by the Bluestone Foundation steering group which is made up of a small team of the resorts 700 employees.
Money is raised for the Foundation through events, initiatives, and one-off donations. Bluestone staff also fundraise, with the resort’s own rugby team organising and taking part in charity matches against local teams.
Reflecting the aims of Bluestone, the Foundation’s philosophy is underpinned by engagement with the communities at the heart of Pembrokeshire to create opportunities that make a tangible difference at a local level.
Pamela McNamara said: “The Bluestone Foundation underpins the ethos of Bluestone; aiming to affect positive change and make a real difference to the communities surrounding the resort.
“As one of Pembrokeshire’s biggest employers, we want to ensure our community efforts filter through to those groups most in need – for example, young carers, older people’s groups, women’s groups, veterans, or people with disabilities.
“PAVS is at the coalface of community engagement in Pembrokeshire, and we’re delighted to have forged this partnership. By working with colleagues there to identify and reach out to local non-profit organisations, we plan to adopt a more strategic approach to engagement, outreach, and support.
“Since launching in 2014 we have already supported some fantastic organisations and projects, and we’re looking forward to helping further organisations and projects in 2017 and beyond.”
PAVS Chief Officer, Sue Leonard added: “PAVS very much welcomes the opportunity to work in partnership with the Bluestone Foundation to ensure that the funds raised by the charitable activities of the group are invested in ways that make a real difference to people and communities across the County.”
“PAVS has many years experience of administering grant schemes and we know that voluntary and community groups can do great things with small grants. We are looking forward to working with our new private sector partners to support grassroots voluntary action in Pembrokeshire.”
To find out more about the Bluestone Foundation or to get involved, contact foundation@bluestonewales.com for an application pack.