Wales & West Utilities is celebrating after fundraising efforts by colleagues topped more than £57,000 during 2018.

Last year’s total has seen the gas emergency and pipeline service, which supports the charitable efforts of all colleagues, break the £115k barrier in just two years.

Money raised has been donated to local and national charities, while sponsorship has been provided to a host of local organisations across Wales and the south west of England.

Charities to benefit from the support include Breast Cancer Care, the Alzheimer’s Society and The Wallich, amongst others.

Brent Harkins works as Head of Procurement and Property for Wales & West Utilities and secured a £300 match funding donation from his employer for a local sports team, where he also acts as the team’s fixture secretary.

Brent explains:

“As father of two boys at the club I have been involved for over eight years and we do what we can to fundraise for the young people who play for the section.

“I have sought to make the money raised go further through my employer which runs the matched funding scheme. This donation was fantastic and It’s great that the young people playing for the Club are directly seeing the benefit of donations like this. I am delighted that my employer is supportive of my volunteer work and has helped make the money raised go even further.”

Wales & West Utilities People & Engagement Director, Sarah Hopkins, said:

“We’re thrilled to have helped our colleagues raise so much money for charities during 2018. They’re doing a fantastic job to support causes very close to their hearts and we are delighted to support their efforts through our match-funding scheme.

“Our services play a key role in heating and powering homes and businesses, but we’re also committed to supporting the communities we serve in other ways. Fundraising and charitable giving is a key part of this of this.

“We’re looking forward to 2019 being even bigger and better!”

Wales & West Utilities, the gas emergency and pipeline service, brings energy to 7.5m people across the south west of England and Wales. If anyone smells gas, thinks they have a gas leak, or suspects carbon monoxide poisoning, they should call us on 0800 111 999 and our engineers will be there to help, day or night. 

The company also has a multi-million pound, 30-year gas pipe investment programme which began in 2002. Old metal pipes within 30 metres of buildings are being upgraded with new long-lasting plastic pipes with a lifespan of more than 80 years, to make sure homes and businesses continue to receive a safe and reliable gas supply now and in the future.