Eleven volunteers from energy network SGN’s Stornoway gas depot spent a day working at the Bethesda charity sho, supporting the essential services it provides to the Lewis community.
The initiative was part of SGN’s community action programme which offers each employee one day off every year to volunteer for a cause close to their heart.
Bethesda provides respite care and critical care and support to patients with incurable diseases. It relies heavily on community contributions and funds raised through its charity shop.
The SGN volunteers work in a variety of operational and office roles for Scotland’s gas network. They carried out maintenance tasks at the shop, including painting, pressure washing and general repairs, as well as recycling, strimming and clearing space for staff.
Alisdair Macleod, a member of SGN’s team, said: “It was excellent to help out with Bethesda, given how impactful their care is in the community.
“I, and many others in the area, have had family members cared for in Bethesda, and knowing the care is second to none is a great comfort. Being able to support through SGN’s CAP initiative allowed us to offer meaningful help to the shop that supports this invaluable hospice.
“We had real team spirit, with everyone pushing on to complete the list of jobs we had. The staff were extremely appreciative of our help, and I think the whole team felt a sense of real achievement at the end of the day.”
Shop manager, Catherine Gomez, said: “We were absolutely delighted to have this fantastic group of volunteers from SGN at the Bethesda Hospice shop.
“The work they carried out was truly amazing. They cleared the back area of the shop by strimming, power jetted all the concrete and their electrician helped with a lot of the electrics.
“They also took care of lots of recycling and delivery runs for us and the dedicated painting team managed to make the tea room and toilets look new again.
“We are so very proud of the support that all the staff from our local branch have given to us and also equally grateful to organisations like SGN who enable charities like ours to get an extra helping hand.”
Gas depot staff lend a hand at Bethesda shop
2 November 2024
