The UK’s largest distribution network operator has already committed 464 donation days this year to local communities, as the UK celebrates ‘The Big Help Out’ this weekend (June 7-9).
In 2023 UK Power Networks, which distributes energy to 8.5 million homes across London, the South East and the East of England, completed nearly 500 ‘Donate a Day’ initiatives across these areas.
Donate a Day is UK Power Networks’ scheme which gives its 6,000 employees two days paid leave each year to volunteer.
Employees complete a range of activities ranging from food bank volunteering, to train station weed clearance, and even creating bird boxes for endangered swifts.
So far 464 employees have logged ‘Donate a Day’ activities this year, including 300 staff raising more than £48,000 for the Duke of Edinburgh Award charity on a 20-mile Royal Ramble from Richmond Park to Tower Bridge.
Last month a 32-strong team used a volunteering day to transform an overgrown area next to the St Nicholas Hospice car park, cutting back trees and taking out extensive undergrowth.
Jon Knight, chief executive of the Together Coalition who organise The Big Help Out, said: “It is fantastic to see the energy that UK Power Networks provides to peoples’ homes, being replicated by the energy they are putting into The Big Help Out.
“Their efforts epitomise what it is about. Whether you have a little time or a lot, whether you want to improve your local environment or restock food banks, whether you want to volunteer in-person or online, you can lend a hand and make a real difference.”
