At SR2, giving back is built into the way we work. Through our 5% profits pledge and hands-on volunteering, we’re proud to partner with charities making a real difference in our communities.
One of those is Gympanzees – a Bristol-based charity on a mission to build the UK’s first fully inclusive leisure centre for children and young people with disabilities.
Over the past two years, our relationship has grown from volunteering at their pop-ups to a long-term pledge supporting Project Home, their £8 million campaign to build the permanent centre.
Ahead of Endure24, our company-wide fundraiser on September 11th, we sat down with Jack (Director of Fundraising at Gympanzees), Steph (Lead Principal Consultant at SR2), and Chris (CEO at SR2) to reflect on the partnership so far – and what’s still to come.
Jack’s Perspective
What has SR2’s partnership meant for Gympanzees over the last two years?
It’s meant a great deal in several different ways.
Clearly, the income has been incredible and enables us to continue the project at pace. But having SR2 as our official reception partner also allows us to amplify opportunities to fund other areas of the building, and point to SR2 as a leading example of corporate philanthropy.
How has our volunteering and hands-on help made a difference?
SR2 support at the pop-ups has been absolutely amazing. It takes three days and three 3.5-tonne trucks to create the space for a pop-up, and that’s no mean feat. Having you guys volunteering has been amazing, both in the build and the breakdown. It makes a genuine difference in creating the environment for families to enjoy, so we’re hugely grateful.
How does an event like Endure24 help a charity like yours?
Endure24 sounds absolutely epic.
Not only does it raise vital funds, but it’s another great example of SR2 using your marketing and communications expertise to help amplify what we’re all about. It’s a win–win for us.
Can you share an example of the impact our support has had on a family?
At our pop-ups we often see “firsts” for children and families.
Just last summer, we had an 18-year-old stand unaided for the first time. A three-year-old had their first ever laugh. A 12-year-old slept through the night for the first time after a session. These moments show the life-changing impact our permanent centre will have once opened.
What message does a partnership like ours send to the wider community?
In my opinion, it demonstrates what good business looks like: showing that you can grow a business and its people while also offering meaningful and high-impact support to charitable causes. It’s not just having values, but living them. Multiple groups benefit from the success of the business.
Steph’s Perspective
How does your work directly help Gympanzees?
We donate 5% of all our annual profits to Gympanzees. Any candidate I’m placing with a client, a portion of those fees is going directly to the charity. It’s a great way to build relationships with clients and show them the impact they’re helping to make too.
Does Gympanzees’ mission resonate with you personally?
Definitely. It makes me feel thankful that I’m able to exercise.
Gympanzees provide a safe space for disabled young people to access physio and activities, while also creating community and friendship for families. That sense of support really resonates with me.
How does it feel knowing your work directly contributes to the mission?
It’s fulfilling to know that every placement I make benefits both SR2 and Gympanzees. This isn’t just a one-off donation; it’s an ongoing relationship and friendship.
I love that the way we build long-term relationships in recruitment mirrors the way we partner with charities.
And what about Endure24 – how are you getting involved?
I’m really excited – it’s about time we had a company-wide fundraiser!
I’ve signed up for a 40km cycle and a 10km run, so 50km in total. It’ll be a challenge, but so much fun to be part of this with everyone.
Chris’ Perspective
How did SR2 first get involved with Gympanzees?
We came across them during their pop-ups and supported with set-up and take-down. The size of the mission really struck me – £8 million to build a permanent centre right here in Bristol. It felt like something we wanted to be involved in.
What does the pledge mean for SR2?
Normally 5% of our profits go to charities, but this was the first time we made a fixed pledge: £107,000 towards the reception space.
It’s the biggest financial commitment we’ve made as a business, and I think that’s how it should be. As we grow, we should make more money, and therefore make more of an impact.
How do you hope others view this partnership?
We want to get behind projects making the biggest impact possible. The more companies that can support, the better. Corporate partnerships like this about doing what we said we’d do, and delivering for the community.
And finally – Endure24. What’s the plan?
Across our Bristol, London, and Austin offices, everyone will be running, swimming, or cycling over 24 hours.
We’ve set a target to raise £10,000 for Gympanzees, and we’d love as many people as possible to get involved – whether that’s joining us on the day or donating via our JustGiving page.
With Endure24 on the horizon, we’re excited to come together as a team, push ourselves, and raise even more for a cause that transforms the lives of young people and their families.
Want to get involved? Support our fundraising here
