AV Dawson, owner and operator of Port of Middlesbrough has awarded £2,000 to local charities and community groups as part of its colleague community fund.
The latest beneficiaries include James Cook Neonatal Unit, Cleveland Mountain Rescue, Remembering Rebecca, and Sonny’s Fund.
The Maurice Dawson Fund was set up in memory of AV Dawson chairman, Gary Dawson’s, late father Maurice in 2021. The internal fund receives nominations from colleagues from across the AV Dawson group of companies and donates up to £1,000 every quarter to charities and community groups close to their hearts.
Gary Dawson said:
“We are hugely proud of what the Maurice Dawson Fund has achieved over the past year and the amount of people who have benefited from the fund.
“As a business, we believe in nurturing and supporting the current AV Dawson family and everyone associated with it and the Maurice Dawson Fund absolutely cements this.
“It’s so inspiring to see colleagues from across the business come together regularly to support charities and community groups close to them.”
James Cook Neonatal Unit received £500 after a submission from Sharon Binns, a member of the firm’s finance team.
The neonatal unit provides care for sick and premature infants and cares for over 5,000 babies each year.
Dr Lynne Paterson, from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) said:
“We are so very grateful for the wonderful donation that AV Dawson has given to the NICU and to Sharon for nominating Our Hospitals Charity to receive this donation.
“During these very difficult times when sick babies have been admitted to our unit, it can be really scary for families and it is so lovely to hear that the care and attention that the staff give makes all the difference.
“This money will be used for items to support families whilst they are on their neonatal journey. Thank you so much from all of the team on the NICU.”
Another recipient was the charity, Remembering Rebecca, who received an £850 donation after a joint submission from Paul Scott, head of operations at AV Dawson Transport and Angela Taylor, administrator at the company’s Tees Riverside Intermodal Park (TRIP).
Set up in memory of Rebecca Sands, who passed away at 10 months old after being diagnosed with lissencephaly condition, the charity offers financial assistance to children, from birth to 16 years, with lissencephaly and other neurological conditions.
Founder and trustee of the charity, Gemma Wilkinson said: “Remembering Rebecca was set up to support families who have children with disabilities and life limiting illnesses in our local area.
“One of the main aims of the charity is to support siblings and to ensure that they do not miss out on usual family activities.
“In every school holiday there is a programme of activities heavily subsidised for siblings to enjoy such as bowling, cinema, soft play, Jump360, football parties and many more.
“The money received will go towards the sibling project and fund pantomime tickets for our children – the donation is vital in supporting us to achieve all that we want to do to support and make life easier for those who have children with additional needs.”
