The Port of Blyth has concluded it’s 2024 Christmas Appeal, which brought together the Port’s staff, tenants, local businesses and the community, to raise funds and donate gifts for families and individuals in need in Blyth.
This year, the Port mobilised its workforce to create a wave of generosity, addressing not only the need to support the local foodbank but to also bring joy to children through gift-giving at Christmas.
The Port created a Just Giving page for the foodbank and encouraged staff and businesses from around the Blyth Estuary to donate. The Port also acted as a hub for gift donations for Operation Elf, promoting the appeal on their social media channels to raise its profile within Blyth and its surrounding areas. Employees also volunteered at the food bank; as well as partaking in a charity cycle event in partnership with Puregym Blyth, for the second year in a row, where staff cycled 50 miles to raise money.
Thanks to the collective effort, a considerable donation of £3,472 was made to Blyth Foodbank, which will support them to continue to deliver their vital food parcel service over the Christmas period and beyond. In addition, 117 gifts were donated to Operation Elf, which will be distributed to children across Blyth, ensuring they experience the magic of Christmas.
Around the Blyth Estuary, there are hundreds of individuals working across 50 companies and by working together, the Port of Blyth has made a huge difference this Christmas.
The donations received have been fantastic, with several businesses including Royal IHC, NRL Group, JK Lifting, Voe Marine, Pharos Offshore Group and Enshore Subsea donating up to £1000 each to Blyth Foodbank. In addition, RWE Sofia Offshore Wind Farm, Voe Marine and TEXO donated a collective 87 gifts for Operation Elf.
Martin Lawlor OBE, Chief Executive at Port of Blyth, commented: “The support we have received this Christmas period has been remarkable, and I cannot express my thanks enough to everyone who has contributed to this year’s Christmas Appeal. This is a testament to the fantastic community and supply chain we have here in Blyth, who are always willing to go above and beyond to support those in need in the area.”
Yvonne Tracey, Blyth Foodbank, added: “We are extremely grateful to the Port for their continued support and to everyone who contributed to the appeal, your donations allow us to continue to assist those in need in the community.”
Sharon Harris, CVA Blyth Valley, commented: “The Operation Elf team would like to say a massive thank you to everyone at the Port of Blyth that has donated to this year’s appeal. Due to the generosity of local organisations and individuals we have been able to provide Christmas packs for all the requests we received, making it an extra special Christmas for families in need in Blyth.”
