National Grid and Bericote Properties have teamed up with the YMCA Thames Gateway to deliver 150 Happiness Hampers to struggling families in Dartford, just in time for Christmas.
National Grid is currently working to replace the substation at Littlebrook, Dartford in order to ensure a reliable and efficient electricity supply. The neighbouring site is being developed by Bericote Properties to create one of the largest warehouses in Europe so the two companies teamed up to bring some Christmas cheer to the local community.
Collection boxes were set up at the Littlebrook substation site with hundreds of pounds worth of food donated by National Grid and contractor Balfour Beatty team members, with a particular effort made by Matei Costel Agache, National Grid contractor. Bericote Properties also had on site collection and created a JustGiving page, even donating their Christmas party fund as well as collecting donations from their contractor, ISG.
The teams collected enough food and presents to pack over 150 hampers and volunteered alongside the YMCA Thames Gateway team to pack and deliver the Happiness Hampers to local families.
Marc Johnson, National Grid Assistant Project Engineer, said “Covid-19 has had a devastating impact with an increasing number of families are finding themselves in a vulnerable position. With many people losing their jobs, the team working on our site at Littlebrook, near Dartford wanted to make sure that local families have a Christmas to remember and not one to forget.
“National Grid prides itself on giving back to the communities we work in. We had great fun putting the hampers together and we hope the festive treats bring a smile to the faces of those struggling in Dartford.”
Emma Middleton, YMCA Thames Gateway Fundraising Manager, said “We’ve been overwhelmed with requests for help this year and were struggling to see how we would cope with the demand. We’re so thankful to the National Grid and Bericote Properties teams who pulled together these amazing donations. “This generous donation has made sure a little bit of Christmas magic reaches those struggling this year.”