Media centre

Tuesday 22 Apr 2008

CHILDREN’S CHARITY GETS THE NETWORK RAIL VOTE

Region & Route:

National

Network Rail has voted in the NSPCC and sister charity in Scotland CHILDREN 1st as its employees’ charity of choice for 2008-10.

Every two years, the 34,000 employees of the rail infrastructure operator are asked to take part in a phone vote to choose the charity with which they want the company to partner.

Network Rail's involvement comprises promoting NSPCC fund raising activities; encouraging its employees to ‘get on their bikes’ for the ‘Big Bike Ride’ campaign; raising money through regular local activities organised by around 50 ‘charity champions’ across the UK; office ‘dress down’ days, and a lump sum donation.

Victoria Pender, group director for government and corporate affairs at Network Rail said: "We are proud to be working with such recognised and well respected charities, which do fantastic work to help children and their families all over the UK.

"We already do a lot of work with young people, community groups and schools through our No Messin’ community safety campaign. When young people are hurt or killed on the railway, the effect on others around them is immense. Many of the social issues that lead to these tragedies such as alcohol and boredom have their root cause beyond our boundary fence and therefore we believe a multi-agency approach is required. Our recent work with champion boxer Amir Khan in January when he opened the Gloves Community Gym in Bolton is a great example of this. Amir is also an ambassador for NSPCC.

"We look forward to developing this relationship with NSPCC and CHILDREN 1ST and helping making a real difference to children’s lives."

Rosie Day, Head of Corporate Partnerships at NSPCC said: "It’s fantastic to know that we were voted in as Network Rail employees’ favourite charity. We have high hopes that the commitment and team-spirit of staff will help them to raise plenty of money for the NSPCC and CHILDREN 1ST’s crucial work.

"Staff at Network Rail can be certain that all the funds they raise will be ploughed straight into our support services, offering vulnerable and neglected children a brighter future."