THE team at Finning UK & Ireland’s HQ has donated more than 500 gifts to a local family centre this Christmas.
The recipient of the donation is West Chadsmoor Family Centre in Cannock. The centre was set up as a community group in 1996 and became a registered charity in 2005 with the goal of supporting, nurturing, and providing life opportunities to vulnerable and disadvantaged children and their families across the local area.
The Finning charity drive started with a social media post asking for donations, but it was Lesley Hollins, retail parts professional at Finning UK & Ireland who knew – with the generosity of the team around her – that the company could achieve more than its initial 100-gift target.
She explained, “I knew we could do more but I was overwhelmed by the support for this appeal. The entire team at Finning headquarters really got behind it and our reception was full to the brim with gifts. West Chadsmoor is a beloved institution in our community and it’s great to see everyone at Finning give back to an essential service, especially at this time of year.”
The support from Finning also garnered the attention of local councillors, with the chairman of Cannock Chase Council, Steve Thornley, making a visit to the company’s HQ to personally thank staff for their generosity, and find out more about the positive impact the Finning team makes on the community as a whole.
He said, “The West Chadsmoor Family Centre survives on grant funding, and it serves everyone in the community on these limited means. This incredible donation has really been the icing on the cake for the families, meaning all children who come through their doors will have a gift to open at Christmas – something we all take for granted.
“It is clear that Finning is a company based on family values, with multiple generations of the same family working for the them and it is wonderful to see those values and support extend to those around them.”
Heather Preece, centre manager at West Chadsmoor Family Centre, stated, “Any donation to the centre is gratefully received, but to see the extent of what Finning has come together to achieve for those within their community is overwhelming. I was grateful for the opportunity to visit the team at Finning on behalf of those that the charity serves, and convey our sincere thanks for giving our families a little extra magic this Christmas.”
