Above and beyond

8 December, 2022

I abseiled down the ArcelorMittal Orbit, the highest freefall abseil in the UK. It was scary seeing my feet dangling down. I also cracked two ribs doing a Tough Mudder!” Our concern slowly dissipates when Julian Peak laughs about his experiences raising money for London Youth, KFH’s charity partner. In the last two issues of London Property Matters, we have spoken to London Youth’s CEO Rosemary Watt-Wyness about the valuable work they do, and how important their partnership with KFH is – so it was time to find out more from the boots on the ground (or off it, as the case may be).

Julian Peak, KFH sales director for south east London, is particularly close to the partnership with London Youth. “We wanted to support a London charity that staff could fully immerse themselves in,” he explains. “We chose London Youth because 100% of the money goes to the charity and the cause is aligned with our DNA of diversity and developing youngsters’ soft skills and confidence. Some of our staff have met young kids in the London Youth centres who have never left their local borough, and now they are getting involved in canoeing, paddle boarding and Go Ape. It’s amazing that they have been given these experiences.” That they have these opportunities is, in part, thanks to KFH.

“Since 2017 we have raised over £320,000,” Peak smiles. “That’s unrestricted fundraising, which is like gold dust. We don’t dictate how London Youth spend that money, it’s entirely up to them. We have an annual fundraising target of £60,000 and our best year was £80,000. It’s brilliant to get our teams together, have some fun, put a smile on people’s faces, and enjoy time with colleagues and friends while raising money and making a difference.” 

In addition to the fundraising events, KFH have also pledged to donate £1 to London Youth for every residential property valuation undertaken. The scheme, known as ‘Pay a Pound Forward’, will contribute up to £30,000 towards KFH’s fundraising target.

“Our community ‘team leaders’ across our business have already had hundreds of staff sign up to raise funds in different ways. It’s such a great demonstration of the core of who we are at KFH, and what we stand for as individuals,” Peak says. “As well as supporting their vital work, we use our extensive network across the Capital to raise awareness for London Youth. We hope that the more people learn about their work, the more support they will receive.”

Watt-Wyness says: “Because KFH really see the need about everything we do, their support has helped across all the different activities for young people. Frankly, I can’t overstate how important KFH’s support is. A partnership like that really underpins what you are able to do.”

For now, Peak is currently limbering up for an autumn challenge. “We have an event where every member of KFH is invited to walk between our 17 south east London offices, which is 26 miles, a marathon in one day. A lot of what we do helps to push us out of our comfort zone.” And here’s a snapshot of KFH staff members who have done just that…