Our Supporters:
Vickers Oils

Leeds-based Vickers Oils is an independent manufacturer of quality Marine, Textile and Food Grade lubricants since 1828. We caught up with Marvin, a trustee of the Vickers Charitable Fund, about why they choose to support Leeds Community Foundation.

How have you been involved with Leeds Community Foundation? 

Vickers Oils have been involved with Leeds Community Foundation since 2018. We are proud to be supporting such a brilliant cause and helping people within the Leeds community where we have been based for over 195 years. 

 

How important is social value to you?  

Social value describes what is important to the wider community which is valuable knowledge. The people’s perspective is critical in order for charities like Leeds Community Foundation to keep doing what they do effectively. Without highlighting the importance of social value, we would never know what is most important to our community. 

 

What community issues are important to you?  

The homeless situation here in Leeds is an issue that is that is hugely important to the Vickers Charitable Fund. It’s incredibly sad to see how many people are affected by it but we are confident that Leeds Community Foundation and other organisations make a huge impact on these people’s lives. The events that the Foundation organise to bring supporters and communities together allow us to hear about the challenges local people are facing and the solutions that can help to improve the general wellbeing of the community which is another important issue to us. 

 

Has the pandemic and cost-of-living crisis altered the way you view investment into communities?  

Both the pandemic and cost of living situation have impacted the community of Leeds greatly. We saw/are seeing more urgency for smaller donations, rather than future commitments to donations. We believe the community need our help now more than ever due to the current ongoing situations. 

 

What makes Leeds a unique city? 

Leeds is a place that we hold very close to our hearts here at Vickers Oils. It is where our story began and we are still based here after 195 years! The Textile industry is just one that we cover and there is a lot of history within the textile industry that is rooted in Leeds which makes it even more unique for us. We now ship our products worldwide as we continue at our base in Leeds. 

 

Have you got any advice for organisations that are looking to support Leeds Community Foundation?  

My advice would be, do it! I think it is important to highlight how passionate the people that are involved in the Foundation are and they know how to put the donations to their best use. Coming back to my previous point about social value, the experts know what the wider community values, therefore they know what is needed by the community the most. 

 

Read more about how you can support Leeds Community Foundation here.