Volunteers join pupils to decorate Belmont

NI Water recently launched its 2012 ‘Cares Challenge.’ The Challenge, set up in partnership with Business in the Community’s NI Cares Programme, identifies organisations within the local community who need a helping hand with physical tasks such as gardening and painting.

During a recent visit to Londonderry an NI Water team helped spruce up the commont room of the local special school.

Mark Ellesmere, General Counsel and Company Secretary said: “We have recently introduced a new and improved volunteering policy within the company which recognises that for many years, a significant number of our employees have given their time to assist worthwhile causes and charities.

“In line with this, we launched our ‘Cares Challenge’ programme of volunteering activities throughout 2012. The new policy increases the time employees can spend undertaking volunteering activities during working hours to help benefit the greater community.

“A group of colleagues including myself recently volunteered at Belmont House Special School, helping them to decorate the common room area used by the older pupils. This involved painting the internal walls of a number of rooms, undercoat and glossing skirting boards and doors.

“This was a task that took little time to complete, yet made a huge difference to the school who otherwise might not have had the time or money to do it.”

The activities are planned for various groups throughout Northern Ireland and will be led by a member of NI Water’s Executive Committee/Board with up to 14 colleagues joining them from around the business.