Money pours in for NSPCC

19/06/2009

Kind-hearted water workers have raised more than £1,150 for The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC), as the charity celebrates its 125-year anniversary.

Employees from Northumbrian Water showed their support during a month of fundraising activities in May, which included an afternoon tea, raffle for a limited-edition bottle of champagne signed by Alan Shearer, tombola and even a dalek auction!

The money will enable the NSPCC to answer an additional 287 calls to the ChildLine advice and support service. The NSPCC are currently only able to answer 66% of all ChildLine calls, due to a lack of resources and funding.

Danny Mitchell, NSPCC corporate fundraising manager for the North East, said: "I would like to thank everyone at Northumbrian Water for all their hard work and support in raising this fantastic amount of money for the NSPCC.

“Without the help of partners such as Northumbrian Water we would not be able to continue our work with vulnerable and young children who really need our help in the North East and across the UK."

Pauline Collins, who lives in Gateshead and works for Northumbrian Water Scientific Services at Horsley, Tyne & Wear, was the lucky winner of the signed Shearer champagne. This was commissioned specially by the celebrity ambassador for the NSPCC’s fundraising efforts. Only 206 bottles were produced and they are currently valued at up to £1,300.

Pauline said: “I bought a raffle ticket to support the NSPCC ChildLine because it’s such a valuable service and I didn’t expect to win, but it was a lovely surprise.”

Jane Morland, corporate responsibility team leader for Northumbrian Water, said: “All of our employees rallied round to raise as much money as they could for the NSPCC. It’s a deserving cause that really struck a chord with employees, especially those who have children or young relatives.”

For more information contact Leanne Clough on 0191 301 6733.