The UK’s community bank, Metro Bank, gives every colleague a Day to Amaze – essentially a paid day off to support a local charity or good cause. Colleagues from Metro Bank’s Southend store chose to use their Days to Amaze as volunteers at the local Tower Hill Animal Sanctuary.
Metro Bank’s local business manager, Abigail Shepherd, assistant store manager, Vikki Grindrod and customer service representatives Megan Lee and Alex Tozer helped out at the sanctuary starting their day off by meeting a few of the gorgeous ‘naughty gang’ of hand reared, super friendly animals. Upkeep of the property which is home to 600 animals is non-stop and the Metro Bank team painted fences, cleaned out barns and sorted food for the animals.
Tower Hill Stables Animal Sanctuary is located in Essex and cares for over 500 rescued animals. Rescued animals include cows, horses, pigs, sheep, goats, ducks, geese, chickens, turkeys, cats and dogs plus a herd of Highland cattle and even a swan named Gandalf the Grey. The sanctuary is run by Fiona Oakes who holds four Guinness World Records in marathon running including being the fastest woman to run a marathon on all seven continents plus the North Pole.
“Looking after the animals was a real change to our normal working day,” explained Southend Metro Bank’s assistant store manager Vikki Grindrod. “There was a lot of work to do and we really got stuck in – hopefully making a real difference to this small charity which needs constant support and funding to care for such a diverse range of rescued animals. I have followed the sanctuary for many years and am constantly amazed what they do they are true heroes that have dedicated their lives to the care of their rescues. I am always keen to do things to give back and support where I can.”
“I absolutely loved this experience and am really thankful to both Metro Bank and the sanctuary in accommodating this brilliant opportunity commented Metro Bank customer service representative Alex Tozer. “The sanctuary is an amazing place and the owners do a phenomenal job of rescuing and caring for so many beautiful creatures! I really think we helped get a good job completed for them and is one less thing they need to do! We will be back for sure thank you Martin at Tower Hill for introducing us to the naughty gang.”
Metro Bank’s Southend store can be found at G19-G21 The Victoria Centre, SS1 2NG. The store is currently open Monday – Saturday 08:30am - 6pm. Sunday: 11am - 5pm.