Cadbury employees mark foundation’s 90th anniversary with major charity initiative

A key charitable initiative from Cadbury in the UK has seen a total of 33 employees recognised as part of its newly launched Purple Hearts Awards for staff who excel at community engagement, writes Neill Barston.

Mondelez International, the parent company of the brand, has placed supporting local areas as among its central pillars, which has been reflected in a number of its campaigns in recent years. 

Its latest venture comes as the Cadbury Foundation celebrates its 90th anniversary this year, enables the group of staff to donate and share a total of £75,000 across British-based charities. 

As the company explained, to mark 90 years of The Cadbury Foundation, UK-nominated employees and their chosen charities recently attended a special lunch at the newly refurbished Cadbury archives in Bournville, Birmingham, which enabled the chance for them to connect with  like-minded individuals and celebrate community plans.

The charity initiative will support a number of key organisations including men’s mental health and suicide prevention charity, Andy’s Man Club, which was among the 11 groups selected. It received a £5,000 donation from The Cadbury Foundation.

Mondelez employees have been recognised for their community work in the UK. Pic: Mondelez

By offering free peer-to-peer support groups both in person and online, Andy’s Man Club helps to break down the stigma centred around men’s mental health and uplift men using the power of conversation.

Rob Spears, a Sales Development Executive was selected for his outstanding commitment to the community and awarded the generous grant to Andy’s Man Club, a cause close to his heart.

Rob comments: “It’s truly an honour to receive a Purple Heart Award and to be able to support Andy’s Man Club. Their incredible initiatives supporting men’s mental health are vital, and I am proud to nominate a charity that creates safe spaces and drives the conversations around mental health for men.”

Elaine Roberts, co-founder of Andy’s Man Club, said: “This significant donation will enable us to keep supporting and championing men’s mental health across the UK. Our mission is about supporting men struggling with their mental health, and we are incredibly grateful to have received this substantial grant from The Cadbury Foundation, which will help us continue our work.”

Created in memory of George and Richard Cadbury in 1935, The Cadbury Foundation embodies the brothers’ belief that community support strengthens society and business, championing health, future skills and causes close to its employees’ hearts for nine decades.

Louise Stigant, Managing Director of Mondelēz International UK and Ireland, and Chair of Trustees, added: “As we mark the milestone 90th anniversary of The Cadbury Foundation, we also celebrate 90 years of commitment to giving back to charities and communities.

“We are incredibly proud to invest in the local communities in which we operate, and as we celebrate 90 years of making a difference, we’re inspired to build on this legacy and look forward to creating lasting impact in our local communities and incredible charities such as Andy’s Man Club.”