Six Grants Support Personal Causes for U.K. Employees
HDR’s U.K. employees recently announced six HDR United Kingdom Fund grants totalling £30,000 at the firm’s annual client event at Drapers’ Hall in London.
“The meaningful work of the HDR Foundation is a core part of our values and purpose and is something we are incredibly proud of,” said Richard Whitaker, managing director of HDR’s building engineering services in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. “This is a reminder that what we do isn’t just about the technical — it’s about caring for people and making a difference in the communities where we live and work.”
Funded by employee donations across HDR’s four U.K. offices, the employee-led HDR United Kingdom Fund mirrors the U.S.-based HDR Foundation with grants to charities with strong employee involvement.
Darren Otton, human resources immigration administrator at HDR, sponsored a grant to the Agoonoree Scout Camp of Greater London, where he volunteers at a summer camp for scouts with disabilities.
“Agoonoree does not see disabilities as a barrier,” Otton said. “During my years, I have witnessed scouts with disabilities go sailing, ziplining, abseiling, canoeing, sand sledging, swimming, spending time at theme parks, making friends, laughing, learning life skills, and growing as individuals.”
Additional grants support charities addressing the needs of homeless and impoverished individuals, providing a safe space for children visiting separated parents, and expanding recreational opportunities that promote physical wellness in children.
Jay Amin, HDR's human resources director for the Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific regions, sponsored a grant to Legacy Youth Zone to support a year of weekly activities for Junior Club participants ages 8 to 12.
“As an advocate for youth development and community engagement, my goal is to significantly enhance opportunities for young people with enriching physical activities,” Amin said. “This funding will not only support the existing efforts but also help scale our impact, ensuring that every child in our community has the opportunity to lead a healthier, more active lifestyle while developing essential life skills.”
Read more about the latest grants.
About the HDR United Kingdom Fund
Funded and driven by HDR employees, the HDR United Kingdom Fund is a charitable fund held with the London Community Foundation, dedicated to serving communities across the U.K. in which our employees live and work. Modelled after the U.S.-based HDR Foundation, the HDR United Kingdom Fund provides grants to organizations that align with HDR’s areas of expertise: education, healthy communities and environmental stewardship. Since its inception in 2022, the HDR United Kingdom Fund has awarded over £65,000 in grants.
About HDR
HDR is a 100% employee-owned professional services firm. Founded over a century ago to bring electricity to a changing world, we are now a global company specializing in architecture, engineering, environmental and construction services. Our success in built and natural environments continues as we collaborate to solve our clients’ and communities’ most complex challenges.
