The charity committed to celebrating the life, works and times of William Shakespeare is celebrating a generous donation from corporate volunteering partner, NFU Mutual, following another successful season where the UK’s leading rural insurer has contributed to the preservation and care of the Shakespeare family homes in Stratford-upon-Avon.
The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust (SBT), custodians of the Shakespeare family homes in Stratford-upon-Avon, offers a range of corporate volunteering opportunities for organisations looking for unique experiences linked to the life, works and times of William Shakespeare.
One such organisation, NFU Mutual, has offered their time to give practical help to the charity for the past 7 years. On their most recent visit in September 2024, a team of volunteers from the Stratford-based insurer spent a day at Mary Arden’s Farm. The team was tasked with ground clearance, weeding and other activities such as animal care to help prepare the property for upcoming school visits in the Autumn.
“The team had an incredible time gaining new skills and contributing positively to the environment. The staff were fantastic and made the day truly enjoyable.
Employee volunteering supports our ambitions, as a responsible business, to protect rural lives and livelihoods and create healthy communities for our people. We’re proud to be supporting SBT’s mission to preserve the Shakespeare family homes for generations to come.”
Commented Aimee Evans, Community Engagement Co-ordinator at NFU Mutual.
As well as offering the opportunity to develop new skills and support team building, SBT’s corporate volunteering scheme allows participants to make a real difference in the local community and play a part in preserving the Shakespeare story in Stratford-upon-Avon.
“This is the perfect example of a business extracting positive results from the programme, donating over 362 hours, as well as a generous donation of £1,500 towards work across the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, preserving these historic properties for future generations of visitors to explore and enjoy.”
We can’t wait to welcome the team from NFU Mutual back in 2025 along with new partner businesses.”
Commented Frankie Rhodes, Volunteer Officer at the SBT.
Since joining the programme in 2018, NFU Mutual has committed to multiple corporate volunteering sessions across the Shakespeare family homes. The SBT is offering opportunities for other businesses to get involved throughout 2025.
More information about the programme along with how to submit interest can be found on our Corporate Volunteering webpage.