Crest attends Charity Reception at Downing Street

Charity Champions from across the country were invited to a reception at 10 Downing Street to celebrate the exceptional people who have made outstanding contributions to their local communities through charitable work over the past year.

This year, Rod Williams, Managing Director of Crest Cooperative, was nominated to attend by Aberconwy MP Robin Millar for the work the charity is doing to provide skills and opportunities to people throughout the local area.

Crest has four shops across North Wales that sell high-quality pre-loved electricals, clothing, and furniture. Crest was initially established with one of the very first lottery grants and the aim of the project was to establish a community co-operative, to help disabled and unemployed people increase their skills and gain employment – either within the co-operative or to move on to sustainable employment within the community.

Since 1998 Crest has delivered on its mission of “unlocking people’s potential through inclusion, innovation and enterprise, for the benefit of our community” by helping to provide new skills and opportunities to thousands of people.

Speaking on the nomination, Rod Williams said: “The previous couple of years have proven to be some of the most challenging that our community has ever faced. With the COVID-19 pandemic, war in Ukraine and cost of living crisis impacting individuals and families right across our society. Given these challenges I have been immensely proud of the work Crest has undertaken, giving those traditionally overlooked or forgotten an opportunity to develop and enter the workplace or full-time education.

“We continue to put people before profit and ensuring that everyone has the chance to better themselves in a constructive and supportive environment.”

Huge congratulations to the whole team at Crest!