Last weekend we marked the launch of our very own charitable trust, The Pavers Foundation, by sponsoring the Macmillan Race Day at York.
The Pavers Foundation will support two major charities a year, whilst also providing funding for smaller charities or initiatives put forward by any one of our 1700 employees.
Managing Director Stuart Paver said: “As a family, we wanted to share our success by helping causes that are personal to us, as well as those that matter to our colleagues, who work so hard every day. Everyone at Pavers will be able to vote for which major charities we support each year, as well as being able to submit funds applications for any local charity or initiative that means something to them.”
Our shoe business was founded by Catherine Paver in 1971. Aside from her business ambitions, Cathy had a keen passion for racing and owned her own racehorses; inspired by her late husband, Michael Paver, who was a familiar face around the racecourses of Yorkshire in the 1990’s.
Graham and Debbie Paver – son and daughter-in-law of Cathy – both attended the race. Graham commented: “It seemed absolutely fitting to celebrate The Pavers Foundation launch, not only by sponsoring a worthwhile cause close our hearts, but also at York Races, which my mother attended many a time.”
As a business we have donated £2.5mn and Cathy’s private estate to establish The Pavers Foundation in 2018, making it one of the largest family business foundations in the north of England. In addition to this significant initial donation, we will donate a further 2% of net profit each year, ensuring the Foundation can continue to help worthy causes.
