Electricity workers find creative ways to fundraise for NHS charities

Since the coronavirus outbreak brought a halt to many fundraising events, employees at Britain’s biggest electricity distributor have come up with different ways to raise nearly £9,000 for charities at a difficult time.

An online art contest, a speed skipping competition and a live-streamed musical performance, among other events, have boosted charity funds.

Alex Sturge, head of employee engagement, said: “Community matters to UK Power Networks employees so it was an easy decision to redirect our charitable efforts to support key workers through COVID-19.

“Our community involvement is currently focused on supporting the front line in the fight against COVID-19 and our employees have really embraced it.

“Whether it’s giving part of their salary to charities fighting COVID-19, donating their time to supporting vulnerable customers or nominating which NHS trusts they’d like us to support, the take-up has been fantastic and it shows our support to other key workers at this challenging time.”

A team of electricity linesmen and women based in Polegate raised more than £1,000 for NHS Charities Together through an online appeal with their colleagues.

Chris Allen, linesman, said: “We’re very fortunate to still have our health and our jobs, working on the power lines.

“We’re in a position to support frontline NHS professionals who are working flat out to help the nation and we want to show our gratitude.”