10 Feb 2010 | Ref. 025
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BAE Systems employees launch the new charity challenge partnership with Erskine
Glasgow, United Kingdom: It was a launch with a difference on the Clyde today, when BAE Systems announced a new partnership with Erskine, the charity which cares for ex-Servicemen and women in Scotland.
Residents from Erskine's Glasgow Home at Anniesland joined BAE Systems employees to mark the start of the two year partnership as part of the Company's Charity Challenge programme, which aims to raise £200,000 for local charities.
Under the initiative, workers at the Company's Scotstoun and Govan yards will organise and take part in a whole host of events including raffles, bike rides, dances and marathons. Rallying behind their chosen partners, employees will also pledge their time to help with volunteering projects, including much needed refurbishment of residential cottages and gardens within the grounds of the Erskine's care home at Bishopton.
Willie McLachlan, Charity Coordinator at BAE Systems on the Clyde, said: "With two care homes situated near to our yards, Erskine is a charity that our workforce has a close connection to. We have a lot of history with Erskine and are very proud to continue that legacy. I have no doubt that our employees will make this our most successful Charity Challenge campaign yet."
Major Jim Panton, Chief Executive of Erskine, commented: "As a charity we rely heavily on donations and since the first world war few have supported us more than the workers from the shipyards in Glasgow. As young men and women are putting their lives on the line for our country this valuable support from BAE Systems could not come at a more important time. I thank them on behalf of our veterans for choosing our charity."
BAE Systems is committed to contributing and helping the local communities in which it operates. The Charity Challenge initiative provides valuable support to local charities through company donations as well as engaging employees in fundraising and volunteer activities. During the last campaign, BAE Systems Surface Ships' employees raised a huge £190,000 for charities across Glasgow and dedicated more than 4,500 man hours to volunteering projects.
Erskine was voted the new charity partner by BAE Systems workers on the Clyde. Founded in 1916, it has provided nursing and medical care for former members of our Armed Forces through two world wars and the more recent conflicts and peace keeping initiatives of the twentieth and twenty first centuries. Re‐building shattered lives, restoring dignity and providing first‐class care to ex‐Service men and women both young and old have been the cornerstones on which Erskine has built an unrivalled reputation from its five care homes across Scotland.
About BAE Systems
BAE Systems is the premier global defence, security and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. With approximately 105,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £18.5 billion (US $34.4 billion) in 2008.
For further information, please contact:
Kristina Crowe, BAE Systems
Tel: +44 (0) 239 289 6232 Mob: +44 (0)7540628673
kristina.crowe@baesystems.com
Gillian Churchill, BAE Systems
Tel: +44 (0) 141 957 2150 Mob: +44 (0)7540628325
gillian.churchill@baesystems.com
Issued by:
BAE Systems, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 6YU, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1252 384719 Fax: +44 (0) 1252 383947
24hr media hotline: + 44 (0) 7801 717739
www.baesystems.com
