Throughout 2023, Paralympics GB, powered by Toyota, crowned their Every Body Moves’ Club of the Month, to shine light on some of the best inclusive opportunities to get active across the UK.
Leeds Rhinos Foundation were honoured to receive the award in February of 2023, for its dedication to ensuring everyone has the opportunity to play Rugby League and engage in physical activity, no matter their ability or impairment.
To celebrate this achievement, Leeds Rhinos Foundation collaborated with Paralympics GB to host a special Inclusive Sports Day at Leeds Beckett University, after being named the 2023 Every Body Moves Club of the Year.
Since then, Leeds Rhinos Foundation has developed a strong relationship with Vantage Toyota, becoming the organisation’s Charity of the Year. As part of this, staff have been actively raising funds for Leeds Rhinos Foundation through a range of fundraising initiatives. These initiatives have included a sponsored walk around Temple Newsam and a fun-filled Quiz and Bingo Night.
Through these fundraising efforts, Vantage Toyota has raised over £3,000 to support Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s mission of Changing Lives Through the Power of Sport.
Business Development Manager at the Leeds Rhinos Foundation, Jess Mayho, commented on the partnership: “Our partnership with Vantage Toyota has strengthened year on year – it’s a shared commitment to creating real, lasting impact in our community.
“Their support has enabled us to reach more people, break down barriers to participation, and ensure everyone has the opportunity to experience the transformative power of sport.”
Beyond fundraising, the support for the local community has extended even further. Earlier this year, Toyota (GB) launched a new community electric van loan programme in which a fleet of 42 all-electric vehicles will be loaned for a period of two years to various charities and educational institutions across the UK.
The initiative is part of Toyota’s commitment to sustainable mobility and supporting the communities local to its operations.
Leeds Rhinos Foundation is proud to be among the beneficiaries of this programme for a 1 year lease, receiving a nine-seat Proace Verso Shuttle people carrier. This vehicle will enable the Foundation to transport members of the community who take part in our programmes, whether this be health or disability and inclusion.
This opportunity enhances accessibility for individuals facing mobility challenges, ensuring that everyone can benefit from the Foundation’s life-changing work in Leeds.
Zac Douglas, Centre Principal at Vantage Toyota Leeds, said: “I was honoured to join Toyota GB in presenting the Leeds Rhinos Foundation with the prestigious Everybody Moves Club of the Year 2023 award. Seeing firsthand the positive and lasting impact the Foundation is having on our community was truly inspiring.
“During our visit, Leeds Foundation generously shared their ambitious vision for the future. I was proud to take this back to the team at Vantage Toyota Leeds, who were equally inspired and eager to get involved. It quickly became clear that the Foundation’s values closely align with those of both Vantage and Toyota—creating opportunities, building community, and ensuring sport is accessible to all.
“At Vantage, we know the value of teamwork. Many of our team members have benefitted from the life lessons learned through sport—resilience, collaboration, and determination—and the chance to help extend those lessons to others is a privilege.
“We’re incredibly proud to stand alongside Leeds Rhinos Foundation and look forward to continuing our collaboration to make a meaningful difference across our community.”
Commenting on the impact of the vehicle, CEO of the Leeds Rhinos Foundation, Bob Bowman, expressed his gratitude: “It was evident from the start of our partnership that Zac and his team at Vantage Toyota share, and exhibit, the values of Leeds Rhinos Foundation. The effort they have put in to supporting us has been immense and this has made a valuable difference by increasing the delivery of our services out into the Leeds communities.
“It is extremely gratifying to see people who are already extremely busy go the extra mile to help us out and on behalf of all connected with Leeds Rhinos Foundation we thank you so much.”
We are extremely thankful for the continued support from Vantage Toyota in making a meaningful difference in our local community, and we look forward to continuing this valuable partnership in the years to come!