Budget and power usage are always top of our minds around Crossroads Village. It’s not just because as a charity it’s important to keep our costs low. It’s also because we care that the people we serve in poor communities are the ones suffering most from pollution, environmental degradation and climate change.
Enter Coolnomix, a group that specialises in energy optimisation solutions. In 2017, Coolnomix provided 25 aircon control units for installation in Crossroads’ most heavily used offices, at a generous discount. In the peak months of summer, around 52% of Crossroads’ power costs are incurred by air conditioning. This is in part to keep our volunteers comfortable and in part to protect donated product from mould or other humidity challenges. Coolnomix estimates that their units can save 40% on our air conditioning power usage. Matt Gow, Crossroads’ Director of Strategy, says, “When we can save on our power budget, it means that funding can be invested into what we do best: helping people in need.” Better for our budget; better for the planet; better for those we serve. Now, that’s cool!
The calls began in earnest mid 2015 as a surge of global interest grew in response to the refugee crisis. In Calais, France, an informal camp appeared, known as the ‘Jungle’. It grew rapidly, though without decent facilities or permanent shelter. There were hundreds of unaccompanied minors among the refugees, children in hugely vulnerable situations. Through our Global Hand service, many people across the channel, in the UK, wanted to reach out. Our Global Hand office ran hot, throughout the duration of the Calais Jungle, guiding donors by phone and email to see the needed goods reach those stranded in this heartbreaking location.
Volkswagen astonished us by donating two people passenger movers, Caravelles and a Polo, perfect for moving our team around. Rather than sell these slightly used company cars, Volkswagen chose to donate them to us. An awesome gift!
Facts, figures, data… The creative IT company, Qlik, ‘automagically’ lets you see your data through different ‘lenses’ , in visual form, or graphs or charts. That ‘view’, in turn, lets us manage our systems better which means we can better serve people in need. Amazingly, Qlik has donated its services to us. Their example is proof positive that companies can help people in need by using their expertise. And all at a ‘Qlik’!
