Quick Release is a PDM/PLM consultancy company. We provide clients with our specialisms using a hive mindset to distribute an incredible amount of collective knowledge across many OEMs and suppliers. We're predominantly focused on the automotive industry, though — using many transferable skills — we've ranged across aerospace, medical companies (supporting the Ventilator Challenge after the Government's call to arms when news of Covid broke), and more.
We pride ourselves on our people and the positive impact they make on clients. But we felt like there was something more we could do. We do a lot for our people and our clients — what about the community?
QR_ created its own Corporate Social Responsibility team — CSR, later to be known as QSR due to our love of including QR_ in every title. We invite the whole company to come forward with ideas including internal initiatives, standalone events, and pro-bono work. The company has done some amazing things within this realm so far: coding marathons, litter picking, fundraising, and much, much more.
The time came for me to present my idea for a new CSR pro-bono project: technical support for the Horse Rangers Association.
About Horse Rangers
The Horse Rangers Association was founded in 1954 by Raymond Gordon. His vision was to create a place where children who could not afford their own horses could learn and be a part of something bigger than themselves. Horse Rangers is a charity where children, from as young as 10, can learn all aspects of horsemanship.
It's not just about horses. The way it's structured allows children to learn many more skills. They're challenged to work as a team to complete tasks on the yard, and through that make friends that last a lifetime. As they learn more, they progress through the internal ranking system — taking on responsibilities, looking after other members of the team, and building confidence in their abilities. There are also many opportunities to get involved in other areas of HRA including Riding for the Disabled Association, Young Career days, the Musical Ride, gymkhana races, and internal awards.
The platform QR_ built has proved invaluable to the charity during the recent global crisis — keeping members engaged, allowing them to continue their technical training, and helping them feel part of the organisation even when unable to physically be there. They've hosted competitions and quizzes using the Hub; my favourite is "find the Easter bunnies," where members search for bunnies within the web app.
HRA, like all charities — and indeed many companies — has struggled during this period. If you'd like to know more about them, get involved, or donate, please visit their website at horserangers.com. Any support is greatly appreciated; as you can see, it's put to good use.
