An enthusiastic team of NI Water volunteers recently helped Simon Community with their Christmas Hamper initiative. NI Water helped in a number of ways including through a colleague appeal which resulted in an amazing 950 selection boxes being donated. A team were then sent to assist packing the hampers for those who need it most across Northern Ireland.
The volunteering day is part of NI Water’s ‘Cares Challenge’ project which has been operating successfully for over ten years and is one of the largest corporate volunteering schemes in the province.
To date over 1,700 staff have volunteered in over 120 challenges, equating to more than 12,000 hours of volunteering to help support communities across Northern Ireland. In the latest project, volunteers from across the organisation made a valuable contribution to Simon Community.
Karen Finlay, Cares Challenge Volunteer from NI Water said “I really enjoyed the day and we made a big difference for the charity through our selection box donations and hamper packing. It’s a great opportunity to do some good while mixing with other colleagues”.
As part of the programme, activities are planned for various groups throughout Northern Ireland each year and are set up in partnership with Business in the Community’s NI Cares Programme. The programme identifies organisations and charities within the local community who need a helping hand with physical tasks such as gardening and painting.
Rose Kelly, Director of People and Learning, explained: “Our handy helpers have undertaken everything from gardening, painting and maintenance to environmental and fundraising days. It is often the extra support that these groups require to enhance their facilities, improve the lives of their members and operate their centres successfully.
“Volunteering has also proved to be a key part of our health and wellbeing toolkit. Our teams gain so much from the experience, not only by helping the community, but also having the chance to spend time with colleagues from around the business that they might not otherwise have a chance to meet.”
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