Hendy Group has announced the launch of a dedicated charity foundation to provide grants to local projects, people, events and charitable organisations.

The Hendy Foundation is set to provide grants from £500 to £5,000 and is dedicated to making a difference to people’s lives in the areas in which the group operates.

Hendy has 57 franchise outlets across 30 location and employs more than 1,100 people in Hampshire, Sussex, Surrey, Kent and Devon.

Trustee chair, Rebecca Hendy, said she was thrilled that the group’s charitable work has been formalised in a foundation which will support a wide range of local initiatives.

Hendy Group will donate £2 for every retail car it sells which is set to provide up to £50,000 in the first 12 months. It will also invite customers and staff to get involved in fundraising activities and recommending organisations to be supported.

“Hendy Group has always had strong links with the local communities in which it operates and this Foundation provides the perfect umbrella for its charitable activities,” said Hendy.

“The company has been around for 160 years and has always been involved in the local community. The launch of Hendy Foundation coincides with this milestone and continues this long tradition of giving back to the community.”

The first charities to be supported by Hendy Foundation are all long standing charity partners of Hendy Group and include Wessex Heartbeat, The Pickering Centre, Rainbow Centre and The Blue Lamp Trust.

Hendy will be joined by commercial director Mark Busby and Alyson Marlow who heads up Lee Peck Media. Two further trustees will be recruited with the remit to ensure all money raised is used in the best possible way to help communities and support local causes.

Pictured: (L) Alyson Marlow, Rebecca Hendy and Mark Busby