By Isle of Wight Observer
Volunteers from energy supplier, Utilita, have supported the Pyle Street Pantry, in Newport, with a day of hands-on help, and a £3,000 donation to support its work tackling food and fuel poverty.
Staff from the company’s Southampton headquarters travelled to the Island to take part in the visit, which formed part of Utilita’s national Volunteering Day programme. Every employee is given a paid day each year to support a cause of their choice.
Team members, George Walters, Sasha Dixon, Wayne Emery, Karl Gowing, Tony Kerton and Tom Hickey, joined forces to help prepare and serve a free evening meal for the local community, before assisting with the popular Lego Club, which welcomes families from across the Island.
As part of the visit, Rev’d Mark Evans accepted a £3,000 donation from the Utilita Giving Energy Fund, presented by George Walters, the company’s chief home services officer.
Sasha Dixon, partnership manager at Utilita, said: “We were delighted to support the Pyle Street Pantry, which plays such an important role in the community. This funding will help with energy costs and support their vital work.”
The Utilita Energy Hub, in Newport, also took part in the recent Royal Isle of Wight County Show, using their converted Routemaster bus to raise awareness of food and fuel poverty on the Island.
The Newport Hub is open Monday to Saturday on High Street, and also offers free-to-book space for community groups.
For details, visit iw.observer/utility-energy, or email iow@utilita.co.uk.
Mal Butler