CORONAVIRUS organisations and charities across Wales have received a helping hand from Wales & West Utilities.

The company and its staff donated more than £137,000 during the course of last year.

The charitable giving efforts were significantly higher than in previous years after the gas emergency and pipeline service provided additional funds to help local organisations respond to the coronavirus pandemic.

Of the £137,000, staff members directly raised £26,500 for charities close to their hearts, whilst Wales & West Utilities supported this with a top-up of £12,500 through its match-funding programme, which helps colleagues fundraising efforts go further.

The company also provided £50,000 through its Safe and Warm Fund, which was established in July to help local organisations and charities support the most vulnerable in communities during the pandemic. In December, the company’s colleagues donated £48,000, that would have been spent on company Christmas celebrations, to three UK charities – Marie Curie, Mind and Crisis.

The money has gone to directly benefit thousands of people across the company’s operating area, which is Wales and the south west of England, who receive support from such charities and who may have been reliant on organisations which are working hard to respond to the pandemic.

Wales & West Utilities People & Engagement Director, Sarah Hopkins, is proud of the support shown by colleagues.

She said: “We all know just how hard the past year has been for everyone. As well has keeping the gas flowing safely, we’re doing everything we can to support local organisations and community groups who are responding to the crisis.

“Seeing communities come together to face the challenge of coronavirus has been fantastic, and we’re proud that our colleagues have done the same in donating money to help others. Our team will continue to work hard throughout the pandemic to keep people safe and warm at home, and this £137,000 has gone to help others do the same.”

Charli Thomas, Community Fundraiser at Marie Curie, said: “While Marie Curie has continued to provide support during the pandemic, through our hospice, nursing service and information and support services, our fundraising has continued to be decimated due to the restrictions we are all facing.

“That’s why funds like these, generously donated by companies like Wales & West Utilities, and individuals, are vital to allow us to continue to help people living with a terminal illness, and support their loved ones with death, dying and bereavement.

“We want to thank all the staff and Wales & West Utilities for their amazing support during this time.”