Team Valley-based SOS Group celebrated donating an amazing £250,000 to charities, talented young individuals and community organisations by renewing its support for grass-roots sports charity, Sport Newcastle.
The total, donated since they set out in business, is a very significant milestone for the copy, print and scan management company, which began as a small, independent business in 2002. It now has 21 employees and is proud to count some of the biggest names in sport and industry as clients.
Throughout its history, SOS Group has always placed a strong emphasis on community involvement and has always encouraged and helped others to pursue their ambitions. Over the last year, it has been actively involved in supporting over 30 community projects, charities and talented young individuals.
More than half of SOS Group’s staff regularly engage in local grassroots activities, including all three of the firm’s directors, and the company also provides financial contributions where required and gives support ‘in kind’ by providing digital office equipment services at no cost.
Building on their backing of Sport Newcastle last year, the company has now become a partner of the charity by donating £2,500 to support North East sporting talent and to help them to achieve their Olympic and Paralympic dreams.
Andrew Skelton, director at SOS Group, says: “We can’t think of a better way to reach a total of £250,000 donated to community activities than by supporting Sport Newcastle.
“There is a wealth of incredible sporting talent in this region and these committed young people deserve the chance to compete at the very top.
“We had our own ambitions as a company when we first set out and we’ve grown to work with high-profile clients including British Swimming and the IAAF World Athletics Championships. It feels right to help local talent achieve the very best they can, too.”
Sport Newcastle has been supporting athletes throughout the region to higher levels of achievement for more than 50 years and is encouraging more local young people to enjoy and participate in grass roots sports.
The charity is currently campaigning to raise £20,000, to aid local Olympic prospects to reach not only the Tokyo games, but also Paris in 2024 and Los Angeles in 2028.
Jonathan Edwards CBE, an Olympic, World, Commonwealth and European triple jump champion, is a Patron of Sport Newcastle.
Jonathan says: “Support from businesses is an essential part of our commitment to providing sporting opportunities for all.
“We’re very pleased with the partnership commitment from SOS Group to support Sport Newcastle’s endeavours in the North East and to enable our emerging sports talent to reach their full potential.”
Matthew Squires, Sport Newcastle Fundraising Chair, adds: “We are delighted that Newcastle based SOS Group have teamed up with Sport Newcastle to help support us through our business partnership programme.
“We are reliant on the generous support of local businesses, trusts and individuals and we simply couldn’t do the work we do with local sporting talent in the region without them.”
Launched in 2002, SOS Group’s services include document management, scanning, cost consultation, managed print services and supplying and maintaining leading brand digital office equipment.
The firm also recently launched its DDB Workspace Solutions Division to supply a range of furniture that helps tackle common issues including posture and lack of space. It features technology that can provide individual heating options, improving workplace comfort and reducing energy costs.