Nationwide Autocentre, which has 223 centres across the UK, was touched by an appeal issued by the NSPCC earlier this year, urging people not to forget about the charity even though the country was struggling through a recession.
The company has launched an initiative which will see it donate £10 on behalf of customers paying for a service and £5 for those paying for an MOT to the NSPCC’s Child’s Voice Appeal, which will help answer more calls from children in danger or distress and adults concerned about the welfare of a child.
Esther talked to centre managers from around the UK about the Child’s Voice Appeal and explained how important the support of businesses was to enable more children to be helped.
“ChildLine can only answer two thirds of the 2.3 million calls it receives each year. In a recession, when vulnerable families suffer and it is more difficult to recruit donors, the support of corporate partners is vital to ensure children get the vital help they need.
“Nationwide Autocentre is one company that has responded most generously to the NSPCC’s appeal for help. Our nightmare is the terrified child who rings ChildLine only to find all our lines are busy and they never pluck up the courage to ring again. These donations will save precious lives and protect children from pain. On behalf of vulnerable children I would thank Nationwide Autocentre and its customers,” she said.
Each donation made by Nationwide Autocentre will answer up to two calls to ChildLine or the NSPCC Helpline for adults concerned about the welfare of a child.
Duncan Wilkes, CEO of Nationwide Autocentre, said: “Every company should have a sense of corporate social responsibility, even in a recession. The team at Nationwide Autocentre felt a strong empathy for the NSPCC’s Child’s Voice Appeal.
“However much businesses may struggle in the current economy, there are those who are in constant need of help and support. In this economic climate, responsibility to ensure charities don’t flounder as people tighten their belts falls to successful corporate bodies such as Nationwide Autocentre.
“The initiative announced today is a good example of a very practical way in which businesses and consumers can continue to support charity without necessarily having to put their hand in their pocket. This initiative will run for three months, and we’re aiming to raise at least £50,000, ensuring that a further 12,500 calls get answered. Just by having their car MOT’d or serviced, our customers will be helping us to make a difference.
“Esther took the time to explain to our centre managers exactly how the appeal works, the kinds of calls ChildLine receives, and some of the success stories that have unfolded as the NSPCC has followed up on those cries for help. Many of our managers have families and children of their own, and that is enough of a driver for every one of them to understand how crucial this initiative is.
“We’re delighted to be supporting the appeal and we hope that we can honestly say we helped to make a difference to thousands of children’s lives,” he added.
For further information visit www.nationwideautocentres.co.uk/nspcc.
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