Electricity workers find creative ways to fundraise for NHS charities

Electricity workers at UK Power Networks have swapped their usual bake sales and dress down days for creative ways to raise thousands of pounds for charities during COVID-19.

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.”