Reading-based Thames Water staff choose to support Dementia charity
The staff have voted to raise funds for Dementia UK
Staff at Reading-based utility company Thames Water have voted to support Dementia UK for the next two years as their official charity.
The charity will receive donations collected through fundraising activities including events such as the London Marathon, the Reading Half Marathon and Thames Path Challenge.
Sarah Bentley, Thames Water CEO, said:
“With this week being Dementia UK’s Time for a Cuppa week, what better moment is there to celebrate that we’re partnering with this important charity over the next two years. I know that sadly a number of our 15 million customers will have first-hand experience of a loved one living with dementia or even be living with it themselves. We truly care about the communities that we live and work in and this is one way that we can support them and have a positive impact, beyond our core day-to-day business. I’ll certainly be taking time for a cuppa this week.”
Claire Iredale, Thames Water’s charities and volunteering co-ordinator, said:
“We’re excited to be supporting Dementia UK, a cause which resonates with everyone here at Thames Water. The partnership will provide lots of opportunities for staff across our region to fundraise and volunteer. I look forward to seeing how our colleagues will help raise funds for this fantastic charity.”
Dr. Hilda Hayo, CEO and Chief Admiral Nurse at Dementia UK said:
“We couldn't be more pleased to have the support of Thames Water in helping us reach more families with dementia. Over the two years of the partnership, we're looking forward to hearing about all the innovative fundraising going on from staff at Thames Water for more Admiral Nurses, and working with them in supporting the access families with dementia have to their services."
The funds raised by Thames Water will go towards funding local dementia specialist Admiral Nurses and the Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline.
The company has run dementia awareness sessions for its staff, so they can recognise symptoms and understand how best to offer support to friends and family living with dementia, as well as customers they may meet in person or speak to on the phone.
Last year Thames Water staff voted for a continued partnership with Thames Water’s charity partner WaterAid and to also support another charity which would be chosen by employees every two years.
The company’s staff recently raised more than £1.3 million to improve access to clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene in impoverished communities in Malawi. The latest figure means Thames Water’s employees and customers have donated more than £40 million to WaterAid since the charity was founded in 1981, with the money going towards vital projects across the globe.