22
December
2021
|
14:55
Europe/Amsterdam

Openreach gives a festive boost to Durham Children’s Charity

Openreach workers in the North East launched a Christmas campaign to support a local children’s charity in Country Durham.

During a week of action, volunteers from the digital network business set out to collect more than 200 gifts for the children who benefit from the outstanding facilities and therapies on offer at Chester-Le-Street based charity, Heel & Toe.

The presents were dropped off just in time for the children’s Christmas party and were handed out by Santa himself.

Openreach Lead Elves, Louise Thompson and Jenny Rowe, said: “Openreach is focused on wellbeing in our workforce and giving to others is fundamental to this. Earlier this year our engineers collected thousands of items for food banks, and we decided to do it all again to local charities this Christmas. We’ve been overwhelmed by the response from our people and have felt incredibly lucky to learn more about Heel & Toe and the incredible services they offer to local children.”

Heel & Toe, is entirely self-funded and provides a range of therapies to children with physical and complex disabilities from across the North East and beyond. Hydrotherapy, conductive education, physiotherapy and massage are just some of the many therapies on offer. It’s the only centre of its kind and a huge asset to the region and the people who need it most.

Heel & Toe Fundraising Officer, Kirsty Hutton, said: “Thanks to the generosity of local Openreach people we were able to give our children an extra special gift from Santa at our Christmas party and all of our children had a brilliant day.

Without the generous support of local people and organisations we wouldn’t be able to help many of these children and their families. The services we provide not only meet essential daily needs but also work towards a brighter future for the children.”

For more information on the charity and information on upcoming fundraising events please visit www.heelandtoe.org.uk.