The Partnership that continues to thrive: SHS and Loomis Sayles Investments Ltd.
News article from January 28, 2020
Driven by Managing Director Christine Kenny, over the last 5 years, Loomis Sayles Investments Ltd. has had an incredibly successful partnership with School-Home Support (SHS).
As Loomis Sayles’ aim is to improve the education and health of children, they have brilliant synergy with SHS objectives. We share the belief that all children and young people deserve the opportunity to make the most of the education available to them and can access brighter futures.
Loomis Sayles is in the enlightened minority, recognising the strategic importance of supporting charities with unrestricted funding. For SHS, this means funding can be allocated where the needs are greatest or cover operational or strategic expenses.
“While the financial support from Loomis Sayles is extremely impactful, our partnership goes further than their generous donation – and is grounded in their colleagues’ personal investment in and enthusiasm for volunteering. Loomis Sayles employees go above and beyond to ensure their sessions with children are welcoming, engaging, and educational. Ultimately, Loomis Sayles plays a key role in tackling educational inequality and raising aspirations.” – Jaine Stannard, Chief Executive
Raising Aspirations
Many of the children supported by SHS have low aspirations for future employment, and with parents who typically have low paid or no work, are unaware of the opportunities available to them. To tackle this, Loomis Sayles invited a group of A-Level students from Newham Sixth Form College to their offices to learn about the finance industry. Following an interactive morning with very enthusiastic Loomis Sayles employees, students learned about trading, investments, sales, and client services, coming away motivated and more aware of the world of work.
Helping parents into employment
A key aspect of raising aspirations within children involves supporting parents. This year Christine Kenny (Managing Director) and Chris Yiannakou (Managing Director) invited four parents from English Martyrs RC Primary School to attend an Employment Skills Workshop. This was a huge opportunity for parents to receive expert advice, feedback around their CVs, and also interview tips. Parents came away with increased confidence and a better understanding of the current job market.
“They have helped me to understand how important it is to have confidence in myself. I will improve my CV and will also be more prepared for interviews.” – Parent
Combating poverty
Christmas is a difficult time for many of the families SHS supports. With the added financial pressure for parents to buy presents and provide food for children who would normally receive free school meals, Christmas can be a particularly tough time. To help combat this, Loomis Sayles colleagues directly provided Christmas gifts for 16 children from a school in London.
“We are deeply touched and grateful for the generosity of the companies (working in partnership with School-Home Support) for the wonderful gifts for the most vulnerable families in our school. We appreciate that through your generosity, these families will have a much happier Christmas. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.” – Joy, Deputy Head
“I wonder what is inside my present? Thank you very much to whoever bought it for me!” – Boy aged 10
View the latest impact report from the SHS corporate partnership with Loomis Sayles Investments Ltd here.