Northumbrian Water employees have stepped up to collect endless bags of food supplies to help put meals on the table for local families in need.
The two-week appeal launched by Northumbrian Water was supported by its people, friends, and family – with the added pressure of school holidays for many families.
Hundreds of food items were collected by the water company and donated to Durham Foodbank this week.
Dale Cullen, Corporate Communications Support at Northumbrian Water, said: "Supporting great causes like this is something I feel passionately about and do a lot of in my own time, and through the company’s employee volunteering scheme – Just an Hour.
“I’ve had fantastic support from colleagues and Northumbrian Water with the appeal and it’s great to see how well it’s went.
“Something as essential as being able to feed families is something many of us take for granted and you never know who is struggling behind closed doors, especially with how difficult the last year or so has been for many of us.
“A lot of children rely on free school meals for their one good meal-a-day, so to be able to give back to those who maybe going without during the summer break really means a lot to me.”
Items such as cereal, long life milk, tinned food, biscuits and unwanted school uniforms were collected by the water company.
Northumbrian Water also offers a wide range of free support, to help any of its customers experiencing difficulties with paying their water charges. This ranges from independent debt support, to payment plans and a reduced tariff.
Lisa Connell, Customer Service Manager for Northumbrian Water, said: "The worry of unpaid bills and getting into debt can cause a strain on people's health.
“It's important for people to know that they don't have to face their problems alone and that we are here to help, not just during the pandemic but at any time.
“We have many ways in which we can support our customers and have already helped many reduce their charges and provided an affordable payment plan to them. The hardest part is asking for help, so I’d urge anyone to get in touch if they need a helping hand or know someone that does.”
Jonathan Conlon, Food Supply Manager at Durham Foodbank, said: “Northumbrian Water’s donation weighed in at 151.20kg and this equates to 189 meals, which is fantastic.
“Last month between County Durham and Sunderland, our network of 35 foodbanks helped 1,272 people, providing everyone with three days emergency food and toiletry supplies. Donations like this make a massive difference and help people in crisis across the region.”
For more information on how Northumbrian Water supports its local communities, visit: www.nwg.co.uk/responsibility/community/ and to find out more on the company’s financial support available, visit: www.nwl.co.uk/services/extra-support/financial-support/