Within Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle dealers, there is a TEAM programme that includes a Commercial Vehicle (CV) Brand Manager, CV Aftersales Specialist, a CV Specialist Technician and CV Specialist Business Manager. It ensures that each aspect of the business works to its best to serve the customer.
Since 2018, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Ireland decided to begin using the TEAM approach to give something back to charitable organisations. That first day saw a team of ten individuals spend a day at My Lovely Horse Rescue, cleaning and preparing the facilities for winter. The team found that it brought them all together, and it was rewarding to give something back.
Recently the staff at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Ireland downed tools and left the office to spend the day providing assistance and help at St. Michael's House. The team carried out maintenance work to the facilities to ensure it is at its best for its residents. With a plan to redecorate an area where residents could relax and improve a garden area, two things that St. Michael's House did not have the resources or budget to do. The Volkswagen team set about power-washing a patio area to remove algae and cut back the plants and shrubs to create more space, improving its overall appearance and preparing it for winter. A chill out room also received a make-over with up-cycled furniture and new elements to make it more comfortable, and with the help fo Harvey Norman a new television was installed for residents.
Commenting on the day, Alan Bateson, Managing Director, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Ireland, said: "I'm a great believer in karma and you can see what it does for the staff. They feel it when we put all of our efforts together to make a difference. You hear a different type of laughter than you do in the office and you can physically see the reward of making the difference in the TEAM. They are a young group of guys and girls, but they love this once a year day that actually delivers a difference. I would recommend it to any business as they feeling you develop is brilliant. We are already talking about next year, and I am also considering increasing the days from one to two, like our registration periods, with one day in 201 and another in 202."
Currently, St. Michael's House provides services and support to men, women and children with intellectual disabilities and their families across 170 locations in the Dublin area. These services include clinical and respite support, schools, and aiding independent living.