Director's 'true honour' to become charity patron
THE non-executive director of a Rotherham-based engineering firm has described joining South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation as a patron as a “true honour.”
Martin McKervey, from AESSEAL, who also represents Rotherham on SYCF’s social value business network, South Yorkshire’s Giving Network, has joined nine business leaders, philanthropists and community champions in taking on the role, alongside his wife Juliet, Chair of Governors at Sheffield Park Academy.
He said: “It is truly an honour for Juliet and myself to be appointed as patrons of South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation and a privilege to take on this ambassadorial role, helping spread the word about the vital work SYCF does across our communities.
“At AESSEAL, we’ve worked closely with the Community Foundation for many years and seen first-hand the positive impact it has on local people, especially in Rotherham where we are based.
“The foundation cares deeply about communities, understands its donors and acts as a genuine catalyst for positive change.”
The couple join other regional representatives as patrons of SYCF including Deputy Lieutenant of South Yorkshire, Julie MacDonald DL, and her husband Neil MacDonald OBE; business, healthcare and charity leader Tony Pedder OBE and his wife, Jane; former sports minister, Richard Caborn, and Barnsley-born leadership expert, Jill White, and her business consultant and partner, Andy Hanselman.
SYCF – the region’s largest grant-giving charity – has awarded more than £40million in grants to grassroots organisations across South Yorkshire over the past four decades.
Chief executive Martin Singer said: “Our new patrons bring a breadth of experience, expertise and passion for South Yorkshire.
“They understand the challenges facing local communities and share our commitment to helping people and places thrive.”