In 2019, the North East’s largest independent electrical wholesaler, Park Electrical Distributors, launched the Park Charity Fund.
The company has pledged to match all funds raised by staff to a maximum of £25,000 during the first year.
Cleveland Alzheimers Residential Centre (Clevearc) is one of three charities it supports, alongside the Heel & Toe Children’s Charity, Chester-le-Street, which supports children with cerebral palsy and other physical disabilities and Darcey’s Dream, a Blyth-based charity which assists newly bereaved families.
During the year, the Teesside branch supported Clevearc in a number of ways. Branch manager, Tony Arena, donated time by volunteering in the charity’s Fusion Dementia Café and business development manager, Glen Jaworski, raised £765 by taking part in the extreme Tough Mudder course. Glen successfully completed 10 miles of mud-soaked mayhem, including 25 punishing obstacles.
Tony and Glen visited the café at Cleveland Alzheimers Residential Centre, to present a cheque for £1,530, with the company matching the sum raised by Glen.
Tony Arena, said: “We wanted to give something back to a local charity and were delighted to support Cleverac. Handing over the cheque at its Christmas party felt such a nice thing to do.
“As well as volunteering and taking part in Tough Mudder, all trade counters across our six branches promoted the three charities through a series of promotional activities.
“The café is a supportive environment for people with dementia and provides an opportunity for their carers to relax in a welcoming, social environment.
“We really enjoyed getting involved in the festive party and we look forward to supporting the charity again in the New Year.”
Gayle Tweed, chief executive at Cleveland Alzheimers Residential Centre, said: “We have forged a strong relationship with the Teesside branch at Park Electrical Distributors and its support throughout 2019 has been invaluable.
“We have been supporting people who live with dementia for over 30 years and it is thanks to businesses in the local area that we can continue to do so.
“We were pleased Tony and Glen were able to join our Christmas party to see for themselves the support and cheer our café provides to customers, their families and friends.”
