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Making philanthropy the philosophy

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Do Some Good, which initially launched in March 2020, as a platform for property professionals to volunteer their time to support charities after MIPIM was cancelled, has been repurposed to support NHS throughout the COVID-19 crisis.

Founder of the platform Debra Yudolph, Partner at SAY Property Consulting, joined forces with Adina David, Director of Flexible Housing at Greystar, and Andrew Deverell-Smith, CEO of deverellsmith, to launch the initiative during the early stages of the pandemic.

The platform acts as a bridge between charities and property firms who have, and still can, donate space, resources and funds. The initiative has been powerful, and a sense of unity has transpired within the industry’s community.

Over 100 volunteers have signed up to be part of the scheme: volunteers have signed up through the platform or via the Do Some Good ‘call centre’, operated by deverellsmith’s furloughed staff.

The industry’s response to alleviate pressure off the NHS has been overwhelming, with just under 100 property companies donating a mixture of resources, time and logistic support. Here’s an example of just some of the amazing donations we have received so far:

  • Concord London donated £2000 to NHS Charities Together through do some good

  • The Lowy Group donated extensive office space to support NHS workers

  • CORT donated furniture

  • Loft donated warehouses in Manchester and London, a fleet of trucks to deliver furniture and food and furnish space

  • Ackroyd Lowrie donated office space and storage in London

  • RPB offered free tax returns for retired doctors who have returned to the frontline to combat the virus

  • F3 Group donated bespoke construction and project management software

  • MARCOL donated 5 buildings including an 84 sq. foot warehouse

  • The bagel shop in Brick Lane has donated 200 bagels per day, London estate agencies are delivering these bagels to hostels and NHS workers

Each Do Some Good (DSG) parenting organisation has picked a charity to support during the pandemic and are actively raising funds. deverellsmith has chosen to support NHS Charities Together and have so far raised £5,537.61 – 1000 of that being donated by Touchstone Residential.

It is not just the NHS, however, who desperately seek our support, the social care sector has around 450,000 beds (3 times the amount of the NHS) and the crisis has had a damaging effect on the sector.

The safety of the division’s residents and staff is essential – they desperately require PPE to prevent the spread of the virus as well as volunteers and care workers to support the current care teams who are working tirelessly.

Avnish Goyal, Chair of Hallmark Care Homes and National Care Force, commented, ‘It’s (COVID-19) having a huge impact on sickness rates within the sector and also on our resident group which are older people, who have an average age in their 80’s and 90’s, and are obviously the most vulnerable generation hit by corona virus.”

Domestic abuse charities have also seen a spike in cases as victims are forced to stay inside and are unable to escape their abuser, families require residential properties to take refuge for a safer environment.

The Do Some Good team are currently working with 10 victims who currently require residential accommodation.

Positioned as the quarterback in this scenario, deverellsmith are overwhelmed by the selfless response from the industry. We’re a forceful and driven community who collectively want to make a difference. Together we can and we will beat COVID-19.