Author: Amy Louise

Our Apprentice Challenge is back—and this year, it was bigger and better than ever! Teams from across The Parklane Group went head-to-head in a week-long fundraising competition, all in support of The Parklane Foundation. Creativity, collaboration, and community spirit were on full display as departments battled it out to raise the most money for our three fantastic charity partners: YoungMinds, Getting Clean, and Recovery Runners.

From Monday 24th March to Sunday 30th March, our offices were buzzing with activity, and no idea was off-limits!

Here’s a snapshot of what went down:

• Hive had a jam-packed week featuring bake sales, raffles, a sponsored walk and silence, a car boot sale, and more.
• Parklane Properties Headingley and rentinc hit the local high street, selling advertising slots in their student welcome packs, and took on a team steps challenge.
• Parklane City Office got thrifty with a raffle and by selling preloved clothes on Vinted.
• Roomzzz brought the heat—literally—with a ‘Hot Ones’ chilli challenge, plus jacket potato lunches and a bake sale.
• Marketing & HR took on an epic 17.4-mile sponsored walk, trekking across all Parklane Group sites in Leeds.
• Iconinc sites kept moving with a 24-hour bike challenge, a pool tournament, a car wash, and more.
• UOWN raised funds by selling unused office items and collecting donations for a mountain climb.
• Finance got competitive with a padel tournament and raffled off a signed Leeds United shirt.
• Leeds Golf Centre added a twist with a spin-the-wheel game and a raffle for donated four-balls.

The results? Absolutely incredible. Not only did every team beat their previous records, but together we raised a phenomenal £12,911. A massive congratulations to everyone involved!

🎉 Top Fundraisers: 🥉 3rd Place – Marketing & HR: £1,774 🥈 2nd Place – Hive: £1,913 🥇 1st Place – UOWN: £2,056

Thank you to everyone who donated, participated, or supported us in any way. Your generosity and enthusiasm made this the most successful Apprentice Challenge to date!

Hive believes in the power of transformation—not just in spaces, but in lives. They recently completed an incredible makeover on behalf of the Parklane Foundation at Community Learning Partnerships (CLP), and we couldn’t be prouder of the result.

Starting on February 17th, they worked tirelessly for over a week, finally handing over a beautifully revamped reception area and four meeting rooms on February 25th. This transformation wouldn’t have been possible without the invaluable help of volunteers from Dulux, the dedicated staff and students of Leeds City College RE: Team, and of course, the Hive crew.

A Huge Thank You to Our Partners
A special thank you goes out to Dulux, who generously provided all the paint and supplies, as well as a fantastic team of volunteers. Their support was instrumental in bringing this project to life.
Another huge shoutout to the staff and students from Leeds City College RE: Team for their incredible signs and memory trees, which added a truly special touch to the makeover. Their talent and enthusiasm were a joy to work with, and we are excited for many more collaborations in the future.

About Community Learning Partnerships
CLP is a Leeds-based charity with over 34 years of experience in providing opportunities and support for children, young people, and adults to access education, employment, training, and volunteering. They work in some of the most deprived areas of Leeds, helping individuals overcome significant barriers such as long-term unemployment, mental health challenges, and low-level skills.

Their programmes include:
Adult Learning – Courses that build confidence and skills to help individuals on the path to employment.
Let’s Read – A volunteer programme supporting disadvantaged children with literacy and language skills.
Roots & Shoots – A community-focused project improving green spaces and promoting wellbeing.
Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) – Engaging local people to drive positive change in their communities.
Single Parent Power – Support for unemployed or inactive single parents to help them move towards employment.

Heartfelt Feedback
The response from the CLP team has been overwhelming. Jenny Harris, Senior Manager of Projects/HR, shared her gratitude:
“Can I just take this opportunity to thank you and all your volunteers for the amazing job they have done in our previously depressing reception and surrounding rooms. This transformation will help to improve the wellbeing of all our staff, service users and visitors by providing a warm and welcoming experience.
We now have a comfortable counselling room, an appropriate room where participants can choose clothing, and two one-to-one rooms. The transformation will make people feel welcome and valued.”

Neil Bostock, representing the RE: Team and Creative Craft Students, also expressed his appreciation:
“It has been a great experience for the students, giving them valuable insight into the expectations of a live project. They’ve had hands-on involvement in a range of manufacturing techniques and have thoroughly enjoyed the process. We’re looking forward to collaborating with you again in the future!”

Looking Ahead
This project was an incredible experience for everyone involved, and we are immensely proud of the positive impact it will have on the CLP community. Seeing the joy and appreciation from the team at CLP makes all the hard work worthwhile.

We look forward to many more projects like this, continuing to bring communities together and transforming spaces for those who need them most.
Thank you to everyone who contributed—we couldn’t have done it without you!

Christmas for many is all about spending time with family and friends, eating lots of food and reminiscing on the previous year. For children it’s all about racing downstairs and seeing what’s under the tree on Christmas Day morning. Yet unfortunately for many kids, the prospect of presents under the tree remains uncertain due to the harsh reality of the ongoing cost of living crisis.

This year, the Parklane Foundation proudly hosted gifting trees as part of a Christmas Toy Appeal. The Parklane Foundation has partnered with Broomfield Special Education Needs School located in Leeds to bring the magic of the season to children who might have otherwise gone without.

The concept was simple: colleagues, family and friends were invited to contribute to our gifting trees by donating a present suitable for a child aged 2 to 19. It was a small act that made a world of difference in brightening a child’s Christmas.

Here’s how the Parklane Group got involved and became a part of this heartwarming initiative:

1. Choosing the Perfect Gift
   People selected gifts that they thought children would love. From toys to books, puzzles to art supplies, anything that sparked joy and suited a child’s age between 2 and 19 was welcome.
2. Adding a Tag for Guidance
   They attached a gift tag indicating the suitable age range for the gift and if it was specifically for boys, girls, or unisex. This helped to match presents to the right recipients and ensured every child got a gift they adored.
3. Dropping Off Gifts
   People brought their wrapped presents and placed them under the gifting trees at our donation points located at numerous Parklane Group offices and venues.
4. Spreading Joy Together
   A Parklane Foundation team of dedicated “elves” collected the gifts and ensured they reached the deserving children in time for the festive celebrations.

   The joy of giving was unparalleled, especially during the holiday season. Every contribution, no matter how big or small, brought smiles to the faces of these children and made their Christmas brighter.

   Everyone has come together, embracing the spirit of generosity, and made Christmas a truly magical time for every child in the partnership with Broomfield Special Education Needs School.

   Thank you for supporting The Parklane Foundation’s Christmas Toy Appeal and helping to spread the joy of the season!

After our successes with the Parklane Foundation in 2024, we’re super excited to see what 2025 has in store for us. We’re committed to helping those in need and continuing to build meaningful partnerships locally and nationally. Continuing our pattern of theme, this year we have decided to support charities that focus on the struggles of Mental Health and addiction. Hoping to help support the meaningful change these charities are striving for.

Our 2025 Charity Partners

Getting Clean
Our first charity for 2025 is Getting Clean, a Leeds based charity helping those recovering from addiction. Getting Clean empowers recovering addicts by teaching them to create handmade soaps, which are then sold at local markets. This initiative not only helps individuals overcome addiction but also equips them with valuable life skills to rebuild their futures. It’s truly “Soap with Hope”! They also assist the local community by carrying out works which people are struggling to afford. This includes repairing fences. Founded by Chris Sylvester, who himself has an inspiring story about overcoming addiction and using this to help others, Getting Clean is truly changing lives.

Upon hearing Chris’ story, we knew we wanted to support this fantastic cause. Working with Chris across all aspects to support, not only in donations but resources to help him to continue the work of his organisation.

Young Minds
Secondly we have Young Minds, they are a mental health charity for children, young people and their parents, making sure all young people can get the mental health support they need. Supporting all across the UK. It takes courage to ask for help. But for many young people who do, the support they need just isn’t there. Hundreds of thousands of young people are struggling with their mental health, but too many are being told to wait, struggling to cope and hitting a crisis point before they get help. Young Minds are leading the movement for changes.

They provide young people with the tools to look after their mental health. They empower adults to be the best support they can be to the young people in their lives. And they give young people the space and confidence to get their voices heard and change the world we live in.

Recovery Runners
Finally we haveRecovery Runners, they are a running group for anyone who is interested in running to recover from life changing events or addictive behaviours. Founded in 2021 by two recovering alcoholics, Jamie and Dean, Recovery Runners hosts meet-ups, training programmes and running events, offering community and support to those recovering from mental and physical ill health and issues including, but not limited to, addiction, eating disorders and grief. “Healing souls with soles!”

This year we are changing the way we support some of our charity partners. So for Getting Clean and Recovery Runners, as well as giving donations, we will also use our business skills to help them grow and become more sustainable. This means offering advice, mentoring, and practical support so they can continue their great work for years to come. We believe this will make a bigger, longer-lasting impact and help these charities become even stronger.

How You Can Get Involved

Our partnerships thrive with the support of individuals, businesses, and communities coming together for a shared cause. Here’s how you can make a difference:
Donate: Every contribution, big or small, helps these charities continue their vital work. Visit our website to learn how you can contribute directly.
Volunteer: Whether it’s lending your time at an event or using your skills to support a cause, there are many ways to get involved.
Fundraise: Organise a charity run, host a bake sale, or create an online fundraiser—every effort counts!
Spread the Word: Follow us and our charity partners on social media, share our posts, and help raise awareness about the incredible work they’re doing.
Corporate Support: If you’re a business looking to give back, consider partnering with us through sponsorships or workplace giving.

Your involvement can help amplify the impact of these charities and create lasting change.

Looking Ahead

As we embark on this journey with our 2025 charity partners, we’re excited about the opportunities to create real, meaningful change. Over the coming months, we’ll be rolling out initiatives, hosting fundraising events, and sharing inspiring stories of impact.

Stay tuned for updates on key milestones, upcoming volunteer opportunities, and ways to get involved. Together, we can make 2025 a year of positive transformation!

Thank you for being part of our mission at Parklane Foundation. Your support, whether through donations, volunteering, or simply sharing our story, makes all the difference.

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn and visit here for the latest updates on our charity partners and upcoming events.

An Unforgettable Evening at the Annual Parklane Foundation Dinner

We extend our warmest and most heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended and supported the Annual Parklane Foundation Dinner. Thanks to you—our exceptional table sponsors, devoted guests, friends, and family—the evening was a tremendous success, filled with joy, generosity, and a shared commitment to making a meaningful difference in our community.

A Celebration of Impact and Partnership

This year, we celebrated the remarkable work of our dedicated charity partners: Simon on the Streets, St George’s Crypt, and CRISIS. It was inspiring to recognise the fundraising efforts led by the Parklane Group, with the cheque handover marking a truly unforgettable moment of the night. This generous support will continue to fuel these organisations’ missions, enabling them to touch lives and provide hope where it’s needed most.

An Exquisite Culinary Experience

The night opened with delicious mocktails, an elegant grazing table, and a spread of enticing canapés. These treats were just the beginning, as guests were then treated to an exquisite three-course dinner by MyLahore, renowned for its vibrant and delectable dishes. The meal concluded with an irresistible dessert station, allowing guests to indulge their sweet tooth with an assortment of treats. And for coffee lovers, Caffeine Addict offered an unforgettable pairing of rich coffee with refreshing ice cream—a crowd favourite that perfectly capped off the evening.

A Story of Hope and Resilience

We were privileged to introduce Chris Sylvester and the Getting Clean initiative, a project that empowers individuals in recovery by providing them with a platform to create eco-friendly soaps. Chris’s journey, marked by resilience and determination, deeply moved everyone present, highlighting the importance of second chances and the incredible impact of community support.

Exciting Auctions and Well-Deserved Honours

The energy continued to build as we hosted a thrilling auction, featuring fantastic prizes such as a getaway to Edinburgh, tickets to Chester Zoo, and an exclusive corporate box at Leeds United. Thank you to those who contributed and got involved with the auction.

The evening concluded with an inspiring awards ceremony, recognising individuals and organisations whose contributions have had a meaningful impact on our community.

We began with the Local Initiative Award, presented to Getting Clean for their inspiring mission and commitment. Their ethos of supporting those in recovery through eco-friendly soap-making exemplifies the kind of positive change we’re proud to celebrate and recognise across the city.

The Parklane Group Award for Contribution to the Foundation was awarded to the Hive Team, whose ongoing dedication to the Foundation has been invaluable. Our in-house maintenance team has gone above and beyond, tackling makeover projects for Leeds-based organisations, each effort leaving a positive mark on our community.

The Unsung Hero Award went to Claire Whiteley of Involve Leeds, who manages a community centre in Hunslet with exceptional dedication. We first met Claire during a Hive makeover challenge, and witnessing her commitment to her community was a truly inspiring experience.

Finally, the Community Impact Award was presented to Leeds Hospitals Charity. Their ongoing dedication to supporting those in need across Leeds, through medical research and community initiatives, is making a profound difference. Our partnership with LHC has been a privilege, and we look forward to their continued impact in the community.

Looking Ahead with Gratitude and Ambition

To all who supported, contributed, and celebrated with us, we are profoundly grateful for your dedication to the Parklane Foundation.

Thank you for making this night unforgettable. Together, let’s continue to make a difference.

Second Annual Golfathon Raises Over £16,000 for Homelessness Charities

A collective 37km covered, 55,000 steps each, 14 hours of golf over 72 holes….and an amazing £16,000 raised for charity.

On Thursday, June 20th, the Leeds Golf Centre was abuzz with excitement as our managing director, Naveen Ahmed and eight friends took on the formidable challenge at our Second Annual Golfathon. The event saw participants complete a remarkable 72 holes of golf in a single day for The Parklane Foundation.

The day kicked off early at 4:00AM, with the golfers united by a common goal: to raise a significant amount for the three chosen charities of the year. CRISIS, Simon on the Streets and St George’s Crypt.

As the day progressed, the challenge proved to be as tough as expected. However, the group displayed incredible stamina and perseverance. Each hole bringing them closer to their goal, both in terms of completing the rounds and in raising funds. By the time they reached the final, fourth round, fatigue was evident but so was the camaraderie and support among the players.

Friends and family joined the golfers for the last stretch, providing much-needed encouragement and cheer. Upon completing the 72nd hole, there was a collective sigh of relief and triumph. The golfers had not only finished the gruelling challenge but had also succeeded in raising a substantial amount for the three charities. The final figure totalling over £16,000

Commenting on the day Naveen paid tribute to the commitment of the nine participants and the generous donors who helped raise such a significant amount. “There are an estimated 3,000 people sleeping rough on any given night in the UK. As a market leader in property, our business values mean, it is integral we play our part in helping to tackle the issue of homelessness’

Congratulations to all who took part and contributed to making the event a resounding success!

Exciting News! The Parklane Foundation Makeover Challenge is Back!

We are thrilled to announce that the Parklane Foundation Makeover Challenge has returned, bringing vibrant new life to Involve Leeds! Our dedicated Hive Maintenance team has been working tirelessly to rejuvenate this vital community centre with fresh paint, stylish decor, and essential repairs, transforming it into an inviting space for all.

Located in the heart of Hunslet, Involve Leeds has undergone a significant transformation since July 2023. Previously an alternative provision for at-risk youth, it now serves as a bustling community hub offering a wide range of programs and activities. In an area with limited spaces for community groups, Involve Leeds is making a huge difference by providing services such as a breakfast club, soup lunches, cake and cuppa sessions, after-school activities, youth groups, digital support, mental health peer support, art projects, and much more.

From Monday to Friday, our team was all hands on deck, pouring their hearts into every task. Whether it was painting, cleaning, or building, everyone contributed to making this project a success. And of course, no hard work goes unrewarded – regular breaks with tea and cake kept our spirits high and energy levels up!

This has been our largest makeover project to date, made possible by the incredible support from Dulux. Their generous donation of paint and manpower has been instrumental in bringing our vision to life. We are immensely grateful for their contribution, which has been a cornerstone of this transformation. Also Verco who kindly donated to the makeover challenge.

To celebrate this remarkable achievement, we hosted a grand reopening on May 18th from 10 AM to 12 PM. It was a joyous occasion where we welcomed guests to witness the stunning makeover and the tremendous impact it will have on the community. The transformation was met with awe and appreciation, marking a new chapter for Involve Leeds and the Hunslet community.

Join us in celebrating this milestone and stay tuned for more exciting updates from the Parklane Foundation Makeover Challenge. Together, we are building a brighter, more connected community!