A MAGNIFICENT seven charities received an early Christmas present thanks to the fundraising efforts of the dale’s biggest employer.
GSK’s Care committee – the staff charity group – hands out cash raised from its fundraising activities organised throughout the year.
And for the first time, representatives of the successful charities were invited to a presentation event which was held at the company’s Barnard Castle base.
The successful seven groups were Serenity Social and Therapeutic Horticulture, Killerby; Teesdale Opportunities for Disabled Youngsters (Todys); Darlington and District Samaritans; Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Service; Friends of the Richardson Hospital; Teesdale Lions Club and Teesdale Day Clubs.
Each received £1,000. In addition, the mountain rescue team was given a special gold award and an extra £3,000 for its funds.
GSK’s environmental health and safety director Russell Collins said: “Over the last two or three years, we have been trying to increase our outreach in the community.
“We have always had a good staff charity committee with fundraising events and a GSK donation and we recognise that charities might need something a little more substantial.”
In all, 19 groups applied for cash from the GSK Care committee and those which did not make the final seven each received a £100 donation.
Mark Wood, Care committee lead, said: “This makes us realise some of the fantastic stuff that goes on in charities in the community and the importance of the funding that allows them to do what they do.”
The cash was presented to the charities by Steve Troman, acting site director, who praised those present for “some outstanding work in the community” .
He said the Care committee’s efforts reflected GSK’s mission to help people live longer and feel better.
