A team from Antrim-based firmus energy joined more than 340 business volunteers from 19 companies from across Northern Ireland to assist 25 community and voluntary groups with practical tasks as part of Business in the Community's and Volunteer Now's 'Be A Saint' volunteering week 2014.
firmus partnered with the National Trust and were tasked with improving the premises at the Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre.
Angeline Sloan, PR Specialist from firmus energy said: “Ten of our employees took on a practical challenge at the National Trust Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre to help to plant a hedge. On a bitterly cold day we were delighted to have managed to plant 1200 hawthorn saplings that will grow into an impressive natural border for the welcoming space at the visitor experience housed within the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
“As a local company, based in Antrim, we are always keen to help to improve local areas and the National Trust site at the Giant’s Causeway is an international destination, showcasing the very best that Northern Ireland has to offer and we were delighted to be a part of volunteering at the venue.”
Hilary Hanberry, employee volunteering manager says: “This was an incredible day of co-ordinated voluntary action and I firmly believe this initiative will leave a lasting impact. The dedication and commitment from all of the organisations taking part and the volunteers is truly impressive.
Business in the Community’s Cares volunteering series is sponsored by SPAR and SPAR’s HR Director, Sam Davidson, says: "I hope both volunteers and businesses take something positive back to the office from the challenges they experience today and from the groups they will meet.”
Wendy Osborne OBE, Chief Executive, Volunteer Now, was equally enthusiastic, saying; "This annual joint venture with Business in the Community is proving year on year to be a popular and eagerly anticipated date on the business calendar. It is great to see so many businesses continuing to support their local communities through practical challenges that they can complete in one day.”