Emergency funding for UK organisations in the fight against COVID-19

VINCI announced a funding initiative in April 2020 to support non-profit organisations in the fight against COVID-19, with €400k allocated to the VINCI UK Foundation to assist charitable organisations within healthcare, social care and education sectors in the UK.

Nominated by employees throughout the VINCI group, 95 charities from all over the country have been assisted by the emergency funding, including three organisations put forward by employees of Freyssinet Limited:

  • Bridgnorth Community First Responders – nominated by Clare White, Marketing & Communications Officer
  • Hoole Church of England Primary School Parent Teacher Association – nominated by Phil Watkins-Smith, Repairs Manager (North)
  • Matt’s Mission Children’s Charity – nominated by Rory Woolgrove, Operations Technician

Bridgnorth Community First Responders is a volunteer group which responds to emergency 999 calls on behalf of West Midlands Ambulance Service to provide an initial emergency response and care to the most unwell patients in a growing rural location. Run entirely on public donations and fundraising, the First Responders serve thousands of people in Bridgnorth and surrounding areas, providing a response to initiate care as early as possible prior to the arrival of an ambulance. The group’s function has never been more crucial than during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hoole Church of England Primary School Parent Teacher Association has been responsible for purchasing additional resources such as workbooks and ICT resources to allow pupils to access their schoolwork at home. The PTA also aim to provide protective equipment for staff supporting vulnerable children and children of key workers who are attending school during the closure period. http://www.hooleceprimary.co.uk/

Matt’s Mission Children’s Charity is a Birmingham-based charity which enables children with life threatening illnesses and severe disabilities to enjoy fun activities, trips and treats. During the current pandemic, the charity will be delivering around 30 ‘Smile in a Box’ care packages to seriously ill children, the elderly and the NHS. https://www.facebook.com/MattsMissionChildrensCharityMakingSmilesGlow/

Previous VINCI UK Foundation initiatives