East Coast Community Healthcare (ECCH) has donated thousands of pounds to three local charities to further their work in our communities.
The social enterprise, which provides NHS community health services across Norfolk and Waveney, donated a total of £13,200 shared equally between The Benjamin Foundation, Waveney Sailability and the Salvation Army.
The Benjamin Foundation helps children, young people and families in Norfolk and Suffolk to deal with challenges in their lives, delivering a range of services such as emotional wellbeing support, safe night accommodation and positive activities for people with limited opportunities such as those caring for a sick family member.
Waveney Sailability enables people with disabilities to enjoy sailing in its specially built boats on Oulton Broad. The Salvation Army works at the heart of our local communities offering practical help and support to some of the most disadvantaged people including tackling homelessness, addiction and isolation as well as offering employment and debt advice.
ECCH chief executive Jonathan Williams handed over cheques for £4,400 to Chris Elliott of The Benjamin Foundation and Richard Morling of Waveney Sailability at ECCH’s headquarters, Hamilton House in Lowestoft. The Salvation Army, who received the same sum, were unable to attend the event.
The charities were chosen by ECCH’s Shareholder Council which represents the 82% of staff who hold a share in the company. As an employee owned organisation, they have a say in how it is run but they do not receive a dividend as the organisation ploughs any surplus resources back into the community.
Jonathan Williams said: “Half this money was raised by staff through various activities and we decided to match their total with the same amount from ECCH’s company funds. I’m delighted my colleagues chose such great causes and very proud to be able to support them in this way. At ECCH we strive to help build healthy communities and the work these charities do is vital in achieving that.”
Chris Elliott, Marketing and Fundraising Manager for The Benjamin Foundation, said: "We were delighted to receive such a substantial donation from East Coast Community Healthcare. This money will help us keep delivering our support for children, young adults and families facing challenging times across Norfolk and Suffolk. It's especially welcome as the impact of the COVID-19 virus is being felt by our charity with our shops having to shut and many fundraising events having been cancelled. We'd like to give a huge 'Thank You' to all those involved in raising this money and choosing to support The Benjamin Foundation."
Richard Morling, the Commodore of Waveney Sailability said: “This has come at a very good time as we have committed ourselves to the purchase of a new safety boat, at a cost of over £20,000. We have had some very good donations and grants towards this but this donation from ECCH has enabled us to maintain our general funds for the other expenses that we have such as river tolls, training for our instructors and safety boat drivers, and maintenance of the boats and equipment.”
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ECCH Communications team