Croxsons sees firsthand how charitable support transforms lives

As part of Croxsons’ long-standing commitment to being a purpose-led business, CEO Tim Croxson and family recently visited Montgomery Heights Christian Care Centre (MHCCC) in Zimbabwe – a charity that the glass packaging supplier has supported for over 30 years, and more directly through its charitable trust since 2021. The visit provided powerful insights into the life-changing impact of that support.

Located several hours from Harare, MHCCC cares for children who have faced abandonment, abuse, and severe hardship. Yet, despite the challenging realities of life in Zimbabwe, from power shortages to crumbling infrastructure, the centre provides a safe, stable and nurturing environment.

“The trip was both exciting and humbling,” said Tim Croxson. “To see the centre in person, to hold the children and hear their stories, really brought home the value of what we do as a business. It reinforced that we can’t do everything, but MUST do something. That truth has never felt more real. We give 10% of our profits to effective causes each year and this was a living, breathing example of the difference that makes.”

MHCCC’s rural setting is surrounded by hills and farmland, enabling the centre to grow some of its own produce. Solar panels provide enough power for lighting, refrigeration and the baby unit. While the facilities are basic by Western standards, they are functional, sustainable and geared towards the well-being of the children.

During the visit, the Croxson family took an active role at the centre, from helping in the baby unit and preschool classes to joining in with football and swimming sessions. “The children may not have conventional families,” said Tim, “but they have each other and a dedicated team of staff and regard themselves as part of a massive family. For us to be there as a ‘mum and dad’ figure was really special. It reminded us how much we take for granted.”

One particularly moving moment came when a six-day-old baby girl was brought to the home after being found abandoned at less than an hour old. “We don’t know the story behind the mother, only that those circumstances must have been unimaginably hard. But we know this little one is now safe and loved and has a future. It was heartbreaking and uplifting in equal measure.”

Croxsons’ support has already made a tangible difference. A new vehicle, funded by the business, now transports primary school children who previously walked an hour each way to school, freeing up time for additional study support. The company has also helped refurbish the centre’s kitchen to commercial standards and provided school shoes for two years.

“We often talk about being a business with a heart,” said Tim. “But that only has meaning when it results in real change. Seeing the kids thriving, laughing, learning, living – that’s our ROI.”

The visit underlined growing challenges in many areas – unreliable mains electricity supply, food security, education and healthcare, to name but a few. With costs rising across the board, MHCCC urgently needs both capital investment for vehicles and regular monthly donations for ongoing building maintenance, food, clothing and educational and healthcare costs.

“What makes MHCCC stand out is that 100% of donations go directly to supporting the children,” added Tim. “It’s incredibly well run. We want to encourage others in business to think differently about giving. Even in tough economic times, generosity isn’t just about finance; it can be time, skills, or ideas. We’re fortunate to be a family business that isn’t answerable to corporate shareholders or private equity – we have the freedom to put purpose before profit. And that’s something we embrace wholeheartedly.”

For Croxsons, supporting MHCCC is not a corporate obligation, it’s a natural extension of the company’s values. “We’re here to make a difference – that’s our mission,” said Tim. “This isn’t about ticking ESG boxes, it’s about doing the right thing and having a life-changing impact.”

Anyone interested in supporting MHCCC can contact Croxsons for information about the UK-based fundraising charity.

This article was originally published by Croxsons.