TO celebrate 35 years of business a Warrington company is embracing a community project, which provides valuable work experience opportunities for disabled people.
Chris Ross (pictured above) from J&K Ross has teamed up with the Long Lane Garden Centre, which provides a variety of volunteering and work experience opportunities for people with various disabilities and special needs.
Chris has agreed to become a monthly benefactor for the charity, as well as helping raise its profile by showcasing the work of its members at his premises on Kerfoot Street, Warrington.
He has also agreed to supply various materials including gloves and safety equipment free of charge and allow members of his staff paid leave to work on volunteering projects at the centre.
He has worked closely with one of his clients, Fiddlers Ferry power station, for many years as a supporter of their various community projects, which includes the Long Lane Garden Centre.
Now as part of his company’s 35th anniversary celebrations Chris has pledged to get more involved.
Despite receiving a funding boost from Channel 4’s Secret Millionaire the charity, which helps people with physical and mental health problems, is facing various funding cuts.
They raise money by selling plants, woodwork and arts products created by members.
Chris said: “We have supported various charities and community projects over the years but never really said much about it.
“We have worked closely with Fiddlers Ferry power station for a number of years as one of their suppliers and we are delighted to get involved with one of their community projects.”
Billy Vaughan, Community Project Manager at Fiddlers Ferry said: “The work done at Long Lane is quite humbling and we are delighted Chris has agreed to get more involved in helping raise the profile of this fantastic charity.”
Project co-ordinator Kath Jones said: “With all the funding cuts we are facing at the moment this support has come just at the right time and is greatly appreciated.”
Picture shows Chris with the Long Lane team and Billy Vaughan from Fiddler’s Ferry Power Station.
2 Comments
I was only working in Beamont High School last week with the freshers (who were all brilliant even the ones who struggled to work in the 17 teams of 10 came around to join in) supporting a Young Enterprise Airplane Masterclass.
The centre is next door to the school and football and I reminded myself that I must pop in to see how they are doing unfortunately I had to leave early to grab a bus back into town for a meeting at New Town House but after reading this article I will certainly call in today. All our charities need all the support that they can get, as there is less and less money around and fewer grants to apply for and therefore greater competition. Well done to Fiddlers Ferry for your support and everyone else behind the scenes.
Shame it was closed today for training.