http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=8169205

668

350

Is your business a caring Brand? Manleys Sponsor NI Foster Carer of the Year

Local branding house, Manleys Ltd encourages its clients to get involved in social good projects and practices what it preaches as they believe it is a good thing to be a caring brand, and that strong sustainable brands will become more and more involved with charities giving back to the community it serves.

Throwing down the gauntlet and putting its money where its mouth, Manleys asks the question is your business a caring brand?

Lester Manley, CEO and founder of "Still Waters Trust" the charitable donation arm of Manleys Ltd commented,
"At the heart of any organization or brand is a community of people and inherently in each of us is a caring compassionate nature. It is sensible and logical to take advantage of the synergy between business and caring".

There are a lot of benefits to be gained for both parties, but the key is understanding the advantages it will have for your business. We encourage clients to have philanthropic compassion as part of their brand value, as it is a win win situation and sends a very positive message about your business.

It makes you feel your business has an impact and being a caring brand is an attractive characteristic and value, but needs to be done carefully and sensitively. However, it has benefits for stakeholders to be a caring brand, for employees and attracting new employees, and for people in general - it is very motivational to the team as their hard work goes towards social good. You are never too small or you can never give too little!

A Ballymoney couple who have fostered 50 children over the past 14 years have been named as Foster Carers of the Year by leading charity the Fostering Network, at a charity ball in Bangor in association with local Branding House, Manleys Ltd.

Jean (60) and Tim Hayley (70) were nominated by their foster daughter Toni West, their own daughter Stephanie Ross and the mother of a child to whom they offer respite care every six weeks. They have won a well deserved holiday, donated by Manley's Branding House, in recognition of their dedication to and hard work with the children in their care.

The Foster Carer of the Year was chosen by a panel including the Fostering Network and sponsors Manleys. Lester Manley, Chief Executive of Manleys emphasised the importance of business partnerships helping charities to give back the community they support:

"Jean and Tim are an extraordinary couple with great humility, truly deserving winners. Manleys are extremely proud to sponsor such a caring couple, and hopefully highlight the dedication of all Foster Carers in what can be extremely difficult circumstances".

Kate Lewis, director of the Fostering Network Northern Ireland, said:

"Jean and Tim were chosen as Foster Carers of the year because of their energy and commitment, which shine through. They really deserve this award, which highlights the important role Foster Carers play in our society - I hope their dedication will inspire other people to think about fostering."

Jean Hayley said: 'I couldn't believe it when I heard we had won, I just broke down in tears. I'm absolutely delighted, especially for Tim. There are not many 70-year-old men who would give so much time to helping and supporting so many children. I just feel privileged and honoured to have been part of their lives. Fostering has enriched our lives and it is so fulfilling to know we have helped the children we foster thrive and succeed.'

The award recognizes the need to celebrate the work of foster carers in Northern Ireland, acknowledging that Foster Carers have the potential to turn children's lives around, by providing a loving home and a secure family life.