Southern staff 'embrace' local charity

Southern staff have supported Eastbourne based charity Embrace with two fund-raising events, helping to raise almost £700 for the organisation.

A book stand at Eastbourne station encouraged passengers to share books between them, in exchange for a small donation, resulting in over £500 for the charity which supports families with children with learning disabilities.

Alongside this the local team organised a tombola, offering unwanted Christmas presents as part of a prize draw in exchange for donations. In total this raised £171.68, whilst also giving the charity a chance to promote its work and meet others who may benefit.

Embrace was chosen as one of Southern's two corporate charities last year as part of its employee survey. It has already received over £1,200 from staff and Southern.

Su Rogers, Sales Clerk at Moulescoomb station, who nominated Embrace following the support she and her son have received, said: "I am so amazed by the generosity of my colleagues and all our passengers. Following the event, Embrace has now received almost £2,000 in donations from Southern and it's passengers so far and I know it will help to make a huge difference to the really good work they do."

Rebecca Whippy, Chairperson and Advocate for the charity, said: "We are staggered by Southern's overwhelming support and will make sure the money is put to good use helping local children."

In addition to the funds raised so far staff from across the company, Southern will aim to donate more money later in the year through a dedicated Charities Week.

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Pictured left to right: Rebecca Whippy, Annette Ackland, Embrace Trustee, and Su Rogers.