KAEFER champions diversity and inclusion with its Down’s syndrome charity partnerships in 2021

Date: 11th January 2021

The industrial services giant KAEFER Limited has chosen Down’s syndrome as the focus for its charity work in 2021.  The company, which has c.3,000 staff throughout the UK and Ireland, will partner with the leading Down’s syndrome charities in Scotland, Ireland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland.  In Scotland, Down’s Syndrome Scotland will be their Charity of the Year for 2021.

KAEFER, which has major offices in Aberdeen and Rosyth, will partner with Down’s Syndrome Scotland throughout 2021 to promote awareness, challenge perceptions and raise vital funds for the charity.  Staff are already involved in fundraising events and the company is determined to use its influence to broker greater involvement from the sector in creating new opportunities for people with Down’s syndrome living in Scotland. Boosting employment opportunities for people with Down’s syndrome will be an early focus.

Chris Foulkes, CEO, of KAEFER in the UK & Ireland said: ‘It’s a real pleasure for KAEFER to support Down’s Syndrome Scotland as our charity of the year for Scotland. Never more so than in these challenging times have our charities needed our support. We are happy not only to help with fundraising for the charity to continue helping people who have Down’s syndrome live full and rewarding lives, but also to take the opportunity to challenge business to raise our game with respect to inclusivity, diversity and equality. Our KAEFER family are already looking forward to creating some exciting events in 2021 with Down’s Syndrome Scotland and I guarantee we’ll also have a bit of fun’

Commenting on the good news, Eddie McConnell, Chief Executive of the charity said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with KAEFER and excited at the opportunities this unique partnership will present for people with Down’s syndrome living in Scotland.  The KAEFER family share our values and commitment to inclusion, diversity and equality and our partnership with them presents a unique opportunity to harness goodwill in their sector and create meaningful opportunities for people with Down’s syndrome to live their best life.  This emphasis on promoting awareness and opportunities will be as important as the funds their staff and families raise for our charity, and all of this happening at a time when our work has never been more needed.”

KAEFER got their backing of Down’s Syndrome Scotland off to an immediate start with a £1,000 donation as part of its Christmas Giving 2020 campaign. Also staff at KAEFER are already taking part in a ‘5km for 50 Days’ challenge which saw them running every day throughout the festive period, including Christmas day, raising funds and awareness for Down’s syndrome.

Down’s Syndrome Scotland has over 1,200 members throughout Scotland and in 2021 it will begin its preparations to celebrate its 40th anniversary.  The charity, which is regarded as a vital lifeline for many families, has transformed its operation in recent months following a threefold increase in demand for support and huge drop in its fundraised income as a consequence of the pandemic.  While continuing to provide direct services and support to families and people with Down’s syndrome of all ages, the charity has set its sights on significantly improving employment opportunities; tackling health inequalities; supporting young people as they leave school; and helping people with Down’s syndrome to live their best life in local communities all over Scotland.