Valleys Partners Scoop Arts & Business Cymru Awards
Press Release – Monday 24th May 2010.
A long standing partnership between Pontypridd family car firm Hutchings Vauxhall Centre and Rhondda-based children’s charity Valleys Kids, was recently recognised in great style at this year’s Arts & Business Cymru Awards.
The annual event, held in the iconic Wales Millennium Centre, celebrates excellence in the field of business/arts partnerships and sponsorship. It saw both organisations collecting prestigious awards for each of their respective contributions to the partnership.
In 2009, the 5th generation family firm increased its commitment to Valleys Kids providing additional cash investment and the loan of a van. The Play Box van helps provide a valuable resource, touring the valleys every day, taking arts and play activities to hundreds of children throughout the Rhondda Cynon Taff community.
Valleys Kids extended the project by devising a unique and imaginative promotional DVD ‘The Magic Box’, involving local children and Welsh Sports and TV personalities. The film, in which two of Hutchings Directors took part, showcases the charity’s Play Box activities and the Company’s underlying support.
Collecting the top award in the Small Business Category, John Hutchings, Chairman of the car firm accompanied by his son Stephen, the Company’s Business Development Director, said “It is a terrific pleasure for us to be involved so closely as a business with Valleys Kids, who have always adopted a very inclusive approach to our partnership.”
Stephen Hutchings added: “Our participation in the film has given us a deeper understanding of the importance of Valleys Kids invaluable work in the local community.”
The charity’s own recognition was won ahead of every other arts-based organisation represented at the event and included a cash prize of £2500.
Accepting the award Denise Lord, Valleys Kids Development Coordinator commented “To receive this award on behalf of our team is absolutely wonderful and the cash prize particularly, will be a huge boost to our funds”
“Our association with Hutchings has become more than just long-term sponsorship. It’s now a partnership that demonstrates how, with quite different goals, we can inspire their continued loyalty through mutual understanding of each other’s vision”
Pictured are: Jake Farnham, Steve Hutchings, Denise Lord and John Hutchings.