UK: Children’s Charity Barnardo Sends Heartfelt THANK YOU to Shipyard Workers at A&P Tyne

Children’s charity Barnardo’s has sent a heartfelt “thank you” to big-hearted shipyard workers at A&P Tyne for handing them £51,650 from their pay-packets. Staff at the ship repair yard in Hebburn have raised the sizeable sum since joining the charity’s payroll giving scheme in 2000 – although the amount the workforce has donated since it began supporting Barnardo’s totals well over £150,000.

Barnardo’s has sent the yard a specially printed “Thank You” poster to express its gratitude for continuing to donate despite the economic downturn. Barnardo’s Press officer for the North East, Angela Robinson said: “In these very difficult times when people are having to tighten their belts, we’re extremely grateful to everyone at A&P for their continued support”.

It’s no secret that all charities are having a tough time and to receive such whole-hearted support, particularly in a region that suffers more than most in recessions, is really heart-warming.” Stewart Boak, managing director at A&P Tyne, said: “Although there have been some lean times since we started backing Barnardo’s, the support has always remained strong. Ours is a tough industry but the whole workforce, stretching from the longest-serving to the apprentices, is always happy to give. The yard has supported Barnardo’s for many years but we’ve also raised £13,350 for Marie Curie Cancer Care in the last five years and we recently became a corporate supporter of Grace House, a local children’s hospice appeal. Most people donate 50p a week to each charity, although it can be more, it’s up to the individual. Considering we are in such hard times, where every penny counts, I think it’s something everyone at the yard can be proud of.”

Keith Bell, senior payroll officer at A&P Tyne, said 99% of the currently 245-strong workforce contributed to Barnardo’s. He said: “When we asked everyone recently if they would be willing to support Grace House the support was overwhelming. I think it reflects well on the attitude of all the people who work here.”

Angela added: “A&P Tyne has been a great stalwart over the years, no matter what changes the company has undergone, it has supported us consistently and for that we’re very thankful.”

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Source: ap-group, August 10, 2011;