Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) has donated £500 to Alresford Pigs, the Hampshire town's main fundraisers and the team behind this year's festive celebrations and Christmas tree lights.
SSEN's goodwill offering comes on the back of two power cuts which affected the town centre earlier in the summer, and following engagement with local MP Steve Brine, the Alresford Pigs were identified as the group to ensure the cash was put to the best use. The Pigs are a registered charity and have been in operation for more than 40 years, focussing on providing financial aid to those in need in Alresford and the surrounding villages. As well as other charitable community events such as the annual Duck Race and helping with the Alresford Show and Watercress Festival, one of the main tasks the group undertakes is the erection and maintenance of the town's Christmas Lights and Santa Claus visit.
Oliver Barnes from the Alresford Pigs is delighted with the donation: "We are thrilled with this generous gesture from SSEN and it's very fitting we can use these funds to help light up Alresford's Christmas."
Steve Brine says the donation will help to make a difference in Alresford at such a special time of the year: "The apology from SSEN after the power cuts was very welcome, and they also offered to make a donation of £500 to the town as a goodwill gesture via local charity which is really kind. I contacted the Alresford Pigs and we agreed the donation would be made to their 2017 Christmas Tree fund which plays such an important part in ensuring Alresford remains an attractive and vibrant destination during the key festive period. Many Alresford shops have challenges at this time and I know they need a good Christmas this year more than ever."
Ray Hunter, SSEN's Network Construction Manager for the South East Region, is delighted to be helping such a great local cause: "Our customers and their communities are at the heart of everything we do, and we are delighted to be helping Alresford Pigs with this year's Christmas lights. Christmas is such an important time for everyone, and we are pleased that this donation of £500 will be making a difference and helping to light up the town over the festive season."
To learn more about theAlresford Pigsand the work theydo, visit their website, www.alresfordpigs.org