Wales & West Utilities donates Christmas party money to charities

22/12/2020

Left to right – Wales & West Utilities’ Helen Mabhena, Joshua Rankin & Lowri Rees celebrate donating to three UK charities

Wales & West Utilities colleagues have donated money, that would have been spent on company Christmas celebrations, to three UK charities.

In light of this year’s unique situation, colleagues working for the gas emergency and pipeline service in Wales and the south west of England have come together to pool money which is now set to benefit Marie Curie, Mind and Crisis to the tune of £48,000.

In the past, colleagues have had a budget of £30 per head for end of year celebrations – a time where they would celebrate their hard work throughout the course of the year. This year this money, alongside a top up of 20 per cent from Wales & West Utilities, will be donated to charity after colleagues voted.

Sarah Hopkins, Wales & West Utilities People & Engagement Director, explains:

“This year has been incredibly hard for every one of us and charities are no exception. They’ve struggled through not being able to fundraise in the same way, which is why we’ve decided to come together to offer our help and support.

“We are delighted that our colleagues got behind this initiative and are proud that this money will now go to help three charities that are very close to the hearts of our workforce.

“We are sad that we are not able to come together in the normal manner this year but are pleased that this money will go to make a difference to the lives of those that are struggling during these difficult times.”

This year Wales & West Utilities has focussed more than ever on keeping customers safe, whilst looking after the wellbeing of colleagues and making sure the gas is kept flowing to heat homes and power businesses.

In June it also established a £50,000 Safe and Warm Fund which is helping those working in communities, targeting support at those who need it most.

Wales & West Utilities prides itself on supporting the communities it serves and was named as Business in the Community 2020 Responsible Business Champion for demonstrating its full commitment to the responsible business agenda during times of extreme and testing change.

The company brings energy to 7.5m people across the south west of England and Wales. If you smell gas, or suspect the presence of carbon monoxide, call us on 0800 111 999 straight away, and our engineers will be there to help any time of day or night. Before visiting, we’ll ask you to let us know if you or anyone in your household, is experiencing coronavirus symptoms or self-isolating. We’ll still come and help you: but our teams will take some additional precautions to keep us all safe.