Goodyear workers pledge to help more charities
Former Goodyear workers who have funded a host of charity projects across the Black Country are looking for more good causes to support.
A pot of money is available from the 5/344 Transport and General Workers Union Benevolent Fund to benefit registered charities that are helping vulnerable people in our communities.
Cyril Barrett, who worked at the tyre plant for almost 40 years, said they are looking to create a ‘living legacy’ to the shopfloor workers who donated to the fund over the years.
They have already supported 25 different projects during the past 12 months and Mr Barrett said they were now keen to hear from other charities that believe they too could benefit from the fund.
"We still have some money left and we would be delighted to help other charities that are helping the most vulnerable people in the community in Wolverhampton and the Black Country.
"It's all about creating this living legacy to those who worked at Goodyear. We're trying to touch as many charities as we can," he added.
To be considered, organisations must be registered charities. The group does not hand out cash donations but will instead purchase vital equipment or other items that will benefit their work.
Workers have previously given equipment to special schools in the region as well as hospices and charities through donations worth tens of thousands of pounds.
A recent example of this saw the former Goodyear employees handover £2,000 worth of outdoor toys for pupils at Broadmeadow Special School in Wolverhampton in November.
The children, who are aged four to seven and have severe learning difficulties, welcomed the new additions to their outside play area, which included special tricycles, school lollipop crossing sticks and play mats.
While youngsters at Green Park School in Bilston also benefited from play equipment including a special swing and trampoline, which can be used by wheelchair users.
The group replaced the roof of a Samaritans day centre in Wolverhampton, helping to reduce its heating bills and ensure it's a lot warmer for both staff and people dropping in to speak to volunteers.
While last month, the generous former factory workers handed over a £2,000 worth of food and toiletries for the Express & Star's Feed a Family This Christmas appeal which benefited food banks and other charities across the Black Country and Staffordshire.
Mr Barrett appealed for charities looking for extra help to get in touch, adding: "I will personally respond to every request to help. We will talk to them or visit them to see if we can help them."
Charities can send details of their project to heather.large@expressandstar.co.uk and details will be forwarded on to group for consideration.
