Thornton & Ross partnering with One Community to fight knife crime in Kirklees

In January 2020 the peace of the local community in the Linthwaite area was shattered by an attack on three members of the well know local company Thornton & Ross, with one being fatally wounded. Two young men were found guilty of murder in the trial that followed.

The incident shocked everyone in the organization and the local community bringing to light how easy if is for young people to become embroiled in knife crime.

In response, the company was united in its desire to take action as a positive response to this tragic incident. Roger Scarlett-Smith, the Executive Vice President UK / US, committed to create a fund to support charities working to prevent young people becoming caught up in knife crime.

Seeking advice from West Yorkshire Police and the Police Commissioners office about the best approach they have chosen to partner with One Community, who specialise in helping distribute funds as grants to good causes within the community. They were an ideal partner with their local knowledge through regular engagement with the community, making them best placed to ensure that donated funds achieve the biggest possible impact.

Thornton & Ross have made an initial substantial donation to kick start the fund as well and are running a charity golf day on the 19^th August at Crosland Health Golf club where all monies raised with go to the fund. There are over 80 players registered with lots of great prizes and an auction planned post game. It is hoped that in future years Thornton & Ross will continue to raise money via fund raising events that bring together their staff, suppliers as well as other Kirklees 100 companies.

Roger Scarlett-Smith said “we hope that we can prevent other young people becoming caught up in knife crime by working closely with local charities in Kirklees to enable them to work with more children or explore different approaches to arrest this worrying trend”

CEO of One Community Foundation Emma Woods-Bolger “we are proud to be working with Thornton and Ross on this innovative approach to sporting the community, and the response from many of the Kirklees 100 businesses has been great. It really shows that when we work together, we can make a positive difference in our community”