Community boost from Veolia Water

Electrical work has taken place at the Hemel Hempstead division's meeting venue, and commercial training centre, thanks to a kind donation from Veolia Water.

The £1,000 grant came from the water company's Community Investment Fund which supports local organisations.

Good causes receive funding

St John Ambulance was one of 150 local groups who applied for a slice of the fund. All applications were carefully considered and more than 40 groups received a share, with grants ranging from £500 to £2,500. 

Brian Wingate, Chief Executive Officer for St John Ambulance Hertfordshire, said: 'We are extremely grateful for the donation from Veolia Water.

'We provide first aid cover at sports and many other events across Hertfordshire and receive no government or other funding, so we are reliant on the goodwill and generosity of local organisations and people such as this.'

Veolia Water Central Managing Director, Richard Bienfait, said: 'Veolia Water is delighted to support local groups through our Community Investment Fund.

Recipients benefit from increased contribution

'We increased the fund from £30,000 in 2010 to £50,000 this year as we had so many worthy applications.

'Veolia Water cares for its local community and we hope the Fund will make a difference to the groups that have been selected this year.'

A committee of Veolia Water staff - many of whom live locally - allocated the money and Customer Service Technician, Harry Parsons, met with Hemel Hempstead division representatives Michael Kemp and Phil Janes to see the benefits of the work for himself.

St John Ambulance would like to thank Veolia Water for their kind support as the vital rewiring work will provide better facilities for both Hemel Hempstead division volunteer members, and commercial first aid training students like Harry Parsons himself, who holds a St John Ambulance first aid certificate.