Thousands of pounds is winging its way to help support De Montfort University Leicester (DMU)’s work with communities in India thanks to Enterprise Rent-A-Car.
The company’s philanthropic arm, the Enterprise Rent-A-Car Foundation, donated £2,000 to DMU Square Mile India after hearing of its work in Gujarat.
Students and staff regularly travel to India to work with children from some of the area’s poorest communities. Flood-risk homes are being rebuilt, children are getting an education that would otherwise be denied them, people are getting tests that improve their hearing and youngsters are getting dance and drama lessons.
The project, working alongside the local charity Manav Sadhna, has now expanded to strengthen the education programme across five community centres in the city, which provides learning support to 2,000 children.
The Enterprise Rent-A-Car foundation was established in 1982 to give back to the communities where customers and employees live and work. The company works closely with DMU’s employability team to provide opportunities for student internships.
Amy White, Deputy Head of Public Engagement at DMU, said: “We are extremely grateful to Enterprise Rent-A-Car for its support of DMU Square Mile India. This contribution will be used to support our work in Gujarat which we know is already making a difference to so many people.”
The cost of work in India has been met by fundraising carried out by DMU students, staff and friends of the university, with activities being held on campus, including a sponsored abseil. People can also donate to the Square Mile India Fund to provide essentials such as books, school equipment, access to medicine, and sports and games equipment for young people.
Rebecca Wheeldon, Talent Acquisition Specialist at Enterprise Rent-A-Car East Midlands, said: “We are extremely proud to support De Montfort University’s Square Mile India project. This initiative transforms the lives of thousands of people in India. Whether it’s educational programmes and workshops, rebuilding homes during monsoon season or providing shelter to those most vulnerable, the work carried out by DMU is incredibly impactful.
“At Enterprise, we are committed to strengthening local communities, and this project is the perfect example of how we can help to do just that. The Square Mile India project relies heavily on donations, so we are very pleased to be able to help them continue the vital work that they do.”
Posted on Thursday 17 January 2019