Posted: Tuesday, 2 July 2019 @ 10:52
Asset finance is not known for its glamour. Sure, we think we scrub up ok when the time calls for it, but in general we’re not the gala throwing, Glastonbury going types - at least not as a collective. That said, we are a community of people who are generally good at making money achieve good things. The AFPA Trust channels those two elements - community and resource - to give back to the charities and good causes that make a difference to the world around us.
We talk a lot about the importance of helping SMEs to flourish in our line of work. But small businesses are not the only pillar in our society that needs support to grow. Community projects and charities are just as vital to our collective wellbeing and progress. Many of us give to charities, which is a wonderful thing, but we also know that it the capacity for sustainable cash flow that makes a long term difference.
This is where the AFPA is definitely a charitable organisation run by financiers. It looks to provide regular and growing support for member nominated charities and small organisations where donations can make a significant difference.
To give a little background, once known as the Asset Finance Professionals Association, the AFPA Trust is a registered charity that raises money for good causes by hosting events and improving connections in and around the asset finance and leasing sector.
From their first event in 2012, they have worked to increase the informal networking opportunities for those in and around the asset finance sector. At all of their events, they not only encourage making connections and meeting friends, but also embracing the opportunity to support charitable causes.
Currently, charitable causes that the AFPA supports include:
- Macmillan Cancer Support
- St Giles’ School
- Partnership for Children - good mental health for children - for life
- Grief encounter - helping children through bereavement
- Make a Wish
- Medical Detection Dogs
Stephen Bassett, Chairman of AFPA and Rivers Leasing Non-Executive Director says: The AFPA Trust has a unique position in the market and its membership does much to enhance and improve the reputation of the Lending Sector overall. The grateful thanks we receive from our various beneficiaries is solid evidence of this and AFPA`s members have every reason to be quietly proud of it.
Rivers Leasing is a sponsor of the AFPA Trust in 2019. To find out more about becoming a member visit the AFPA website.