We are the UK’s largest gas distribution network, bringing gas to 11 million homes and businesses. We manage a network of more than 82,000 miles of pipes, most of them underground, which transport gas throughout the North West, West Midlands, East Midlands, East of England and North London.
Big-hearted staff at Hinckley-based gas network Cadent turned Santa’s little helpers to deliver an early Christmas present for Alzheimer’s Society.
Caring employees decreed 21 December as their own Elf Day. Donning the pointy ears, jingly bells and the distinctive red and green of Father Christmas’ favourite assistants in return for a charity donation, they unearthed hidden talents to raise a special Christmas bonus for people living with dementia.
Aspiring bards penned their own seasonal verses in a Christmas poetry competition. Would-be Mary Berrys and Paul Hollywoods cooked up an array of treats in a Christmas bake-off, while knitters got busy making festive pom poms for sale.
Staff even created their own Christmas grotto, with a special visit from Santa himself. Their ‘elfless efforts raised more than £1,600 – a sum set to double to £3,200 thanks to Cadent’s matched giving scheme.
David Parkin, Cadent’s Director of Safety and Network Strategy, is championing the company’s two-year, £100,000 fundraising partnership with Alzheimer’s Society.
He said: “This is a tremendous effort. It is heartening to see how our staff have got behind the effort to raise funds and transform the lives of those living with dementia and their carers.
“Someone develops dementia every three minutes. The money we have raised will provide vital support services for people with dementia and ultimately help to find a cure for this condition.”
Lucy Polling, Corporate Account Executive at Alzheimer’s Society, said: “It’s fantastic to see Cadent staff embracing Elf Day and getting involved with local communities in Coventry. This is a great example of people coming together to unite against dementia and we are very grateful for Cadent’s fundraising.”
Cadent announced its partnership with Alzheimer’s Society in June after employees voted for it to become the company’s nominated charity.
The company has pledged to raise £100,000 for Alzheimer’s Society over two years and to make at least 1,000 employees ‘Dementia Friends’.
‘Dementia Friends’ information sessions help people better understand the challenges faced by those living with dementia and the small ways in which they can help.
Alzheimer’s Society provides information and support, funds research and creates lasting change for people affected by dementia. For more information about Alzheimer’s Society go to alzheimers.org.uk
10 facts about dementia
Pictured left to right: Hayley Tranter, Lisa Burgoyne, Carole Benson, Ruth Burden
Cadent is the UK’s largest gas distribution network with a 200-year legacy. We are in a unique position to build on strong foundations whilst encouraging the curiosity to think differently and the courage to embrace change. Day to day we continue to operate, maintain and innovate the UK’s largest gas network, transporting gas safely and protecting people in an emergency. Our skilled engineers and specialists remain committed to the communities we serve, working day and night to ensure gas reaches 11 million homes from Cumbria to North London and the Welsh Borders to East Anglia, to keep your energy flowing.
Here at Cadent we support the Government’s plans to reach Net Zero by 2050. That means we’re backing the introduction of hydrogen as a low carbon alternative to natural gas for the future. We know people love the controllability of gas and, with our network already in place, it makes sense to switch to the lower carbon alternative offered by hydrogen, which we believe can keep homes and businesses warm for generations to come.
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