Partner Article

Handy management team mark 20 years of volunteering

The senior management team at a local customer service centre used their DIY skills to mark 20 years of voluntary work.

Handy senior staff members from EDF Energy joined North East head of customer services, Kevin Gatens, to carry out some essential maintenance at Silksworth Park, including restoring and painting benches and handrails.

Staff from the Sunderland offices of EDF Energy have donated approximately 3,000 work hours each year to local charities, organisations and causes through the Helping Hands scheme since the centre opened nearly 20 years ago.

The EDF Energy Helping Hands programme allows employees at Doxford to take up to two days extra paid leave every year to volunteer in the local community. The scheme not only benefits local people, but also provides important personal development and team-building opportunities for staff involved.

Kevin said: “The EDF Energy Helping Hands scheme at Doxford does a fantastic job in the local community, donating staff support to a range of very worthwhile causes across Sunderland and the surrounding areas.

“From local beauty spots, schools and charities, the volunteers have had a positive impact on an enormous amount of projects over the past 20 years. We look forward to continuing with Helping Hands and donating our time to even more causes in the future.”

Ian Graham from Sunderland City Council’s West Area Responsive Local Services team added: “The EDF Energy Helping Hands team has done great job at Silksworth Park. A lot of organisations rely on volunteers to help maintain grounds and buildings, and it is clear that the staff from EDF Energy are very passionate when it comes to helping local causes and really enjoy lending their support.

“The fact that EDF Energy supports the local community by encouraging employees to take part in charitable projects is priceless to organisations like ourselves and we really appreciate the help they offer.”

Anyone wanting information on the Helping Hands scheme should contact Emma Shearer at emma.shearer@edfenergy.com

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by EDF Energy .