Daily News
Rio Tinto Alcan donates £2,500 for Meals on Wheels
Northumberland-based Aluminium manufacturer, Rio Tinto Alcan has donated £2,500 to help a ‘meals on wheels’ service in Ashington provide older people with a hot meal each day.
The donation was made to the Ashington Joint Welfare Scheme which manages the Hirst Welfare Centre in East Ashington.
The Centre provides a range of facilities including a café, IT suite, crèche and exercise space. It is also an important meeting place for locals to socialise with friends and make the most of a number of classes which operate from the Centre, including tea dances and an over 60s group.
Following a successful three-month trial in 2008, the Centre has now expanded the ‘meals on wheels’ programme to run throughout the year, six days a week.
Gail Balance, director of Ashington Joint Welfare Scheme, said: “Around 15 residents per week use our ‘meals on wheels’ scheme which provides a vital service for older people who have difficulty leaving their home because of bad weather or illness.
“By delivering freshly cooked meals to their door, we are taking some of the worry away for people who may have trouble cooking for themselves or getting out to the supermarket.
“We believe this scheme goes a long way to improving the lives of many older residents within Ashington and gives them a helping hand. Our thanks go to Rio Tinto Alcan for helping us to continue to provide this valuable service.”
John McCabe, spokesperson for Rio Tinto Alcan, said: “We are pleased to support the Hirst Welfare Centre and Ashington Joint Welfare Scheme and the excellent work it does in helping the Ashington community.
“By providing a ‘meals on wheels’ service we are supporting local residents by ensuring they have access to a healthy lunch. Over the last few months, the Centre staff have built up a close relationship with their customers and seem to be making a huge difference in local resident’s lives by providing a steady and supportive service.”
To date Rio Tinto Alcan has donated several tens of thousands of pounds to support projects and developments aiding local communities across Northumberland and Tyne and Wear through its Community Foundation Fund.