A splash of cash for community projects - Teesside

10/07/2008

Community groups and projects in the region have received a flood of donations from a local water company.

Northumbrian Water awarded £8,244 in the last financial year (April 2007 to March 2008) to various projects throughout Teesside.

The grants, which have been administered by Tees Valley Community Foundation, will benefit people from toddlers to grandparents in Billingham, Hardwick, Middlesbrough, Norton, Redcar, Saltburn by the Sea, Stockton on Tees and the Tees Valley.

The Northumbrian Water fund was established in September 1991 with a pledge of £10,000 a year. The income generated by the fund is used to support community groups and projects throughout Teesside and since 2000, the Northumbrian Water fund has given away nearly £50,000 to 51 different groups.

Sue Featherstone, secretary of Saltburn Allotment Association, said: “Northumbrian Water’s donation of £1,000 has helped us to transform a derelict space into a community wildlife garden that will benefit schools and residents in the area.”

Hugh McGouran, Chief Executive of Tees Valley Community Foundation, said: “Northumbrian Water has held a fund with us for 17 years and in this time they have invested considerable time and money into their support of the local community. Their charitable fund is a fantastic example of how a company can make a long-term difference to the causes close to their heart.”

Louise Hunter, Northumbrian Water’s Corporate Responsibility Manager said: “Our support for community and environmental projects is testament to how we are immersed in the communities we serve.”

The Tees Valley Community Foundation provides a service to individuals, families and companies who want to help the local community. Last year the foundation, which manages more than 50 funds in the Tees Valley, awarded grants of almost £1.7 million on behalf of its donors to 454 community groups.

For more information contact Leanne Clough on 0191 301 6733.