When we first embarked on our community clean-up last year, we knew we wanted to do something to give back. Something hands-on. Something that brought our team, and the wider Capsule network, closer together outside of meeting rooms and inboxes.
What we didn’t know at the time was just how much we’d want to do it again. So, this summer, we returned to nature. This time, to the River Lea – with canoes, litter-pickers, bin bags, and more brilliant company. Our latest Paddle and Pick event proved that this community clean-up effort has the makings of a Capsule tradition.
We spend a lot of time looking forward – for our clients and the industries they operate in. But we’re not all about business – we appreciate that building something truly sustainable means investing in the future of the communities we’re all part of. And not being afraid to get your hands dirty.
There’s something refreshing about being out on the water, and away from the usual day-to-day. It’s not a case of ESG-box ticking, it’s about dedicating our time to doing something meaningful – a few pieces of litter at a time.
The morning kicked off with a safety talk – covering everything from the risks of working near open water to how to handle sharp items if we came across them. Once everyone had been briefed and kitted out, we split into groups and set out in our canoes to sweep the canal for rubbish.
Wearing gloves and armed with litter-pickers, we paddled and picked our way down the River Lea – bagging bottles, plastics, and other junk that doesn’t belong there. The haul was bigger than we expected, and likewise, so was the impact – a little really does go a long way when it comes to helping your local community.
More than anything, Paddle and Pick gave our people a reason to pause and connect – with nature, with each other, and with what drives us at Capsule: to use business as a force for good.
Here’s what some of our amazing volunteers had to say about the day:
"It was kind of heartbreaking seeing how much junk was in the canal – so grateful we could get rid of some."
- Kate Parker, Foster Communications.“We collected litter, connected with like-minded people, and left the water a little cleaner than we found it.”
- Sarah Corrodus-Patterson, BOL Foods.“It felt great to get involved and spend a Friday morning away from the screen.”
- Anna Sepilova, Stride Treglown.
At Capsule, we believe small actions can have huge ripple effects, and making space for impact matters. Every Capsule employee gets 10 volunteer days annually to dedicate time to causes that make a difference.
Paddle and Pick is just one way we make giving back feel simple and accessible to our team, the founders we partner with, and the investors and insurers in our wider community too.
We’re proud that what started out as a one-off day out has grown into a regular effort to give back to our local area. If you're part of the Capsule community – or would like to be – we’d love to see you at the next one.
Thinking of embarking on your own community-focused tradition? We say go for it. You don’t need a big ESG budget to make a difference – just a bit of time, a few litter-pickers, and a shared sense of purpose.