The Oakland Foundation, a children’s charity established and funded by family business and multi-temperature supply chain specialist Oakland International, has granted more than £750,000 to beneficiary projects, with additional in-kind support taking Oakland International’s total investment past £1 million since 2012.

Officially opened by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal in 2012, the Foundation forms a key part of Oakland International’s long-term commitment to community investment and supporting the next generation through initiatives focused on education, health and nutrition, sport and wellbeing.

Funding has helped schools, charities, youth groups, sports clubs and community organisations deliver projects ranging from educational visits and holiday activities to sports participation, healthy living programmes and specialist support for disadvantaged young people.

Oakland Foundation Chair of Trustees Peter Vaughan said: “Passing £750,000 in direct grant funding is a remarkable milestone and a reflection of what can be achieved through long-term collaboration between businesses, community organisations and local champions.

“What makes this achievement particularly special is that it has been achieved thanks to a sustained, community-wide commitment from Oakland International, donors, partners and the many organisations that share our belief that every child deserves the chance to reach their potential.

“Since 2012, we have worked alongside dozens of community groups, schools and charities that are making a real difference on the ground. Together, we’ve helped thousands of young people access opportunities and experiences that may otherwise have been beyond their reach.”

Oakland International Co-Founders Sallie and Dean Attwell said: “As a family business, we have always believed that success should be measured not only by commercial performance but also by the positive contribution we make to our communities. The Oakland Foundation was created to turn that belief into meaningful action.

“Achieving three-quarters of a million pounds in grant funding is a significant achievement and reflects the substantial and ongoing investment Oakland International has made in the Foundation over many years. Alongside this support, contributions from donors, our own fundraising activities, partner organisations and local businesses have helped us reach more children, back more community projects and maximise the impact we can make.”

Whilst grant funding awarded currently stands at more than £750,000, this figure represents only part of the Foundation’s contribution. Oakland International also provides significant administrative and operational support, including funding the Grants Co-ordinator role and enabling trustees to dedicate substantial time and expertise to Foundation activities. Taking this wider investment into account, the total value contributed by Oakland International and its partners since 2012 exceeds £1 million.

As part of Oakland International’s commitment to responsible business, social value creation and community investment, the Oakland Foundation works alongside local organisations to seed fund programmes that help children and young people access experiences and support that might otherwise be beyond their reach.

Peter added: “Businesses can play a vital role in helping communities thrive. By working with trusted local organisations, we can ensure support reaches children and young people where it can make the greatest difference.”

Since its formation, the Oakland Foundation has helped thousands of children across England and Wales by reducing the impact of financial hardship and enabling access to activities, experiences and opportunities that support their development and wellbeing.

The Oakland Foundation relies on the generosity of communities, businesses, and individuals to help transform the lives of children and young people facing challenges across England and Wales.

For more information about the Oakland Foundation, visit www.oakland-foundation.com