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FirstGroup puts children 1st
Tuesday 5 May 2009
Transport Giant Provides Aberdeen Charity with Funding for Kitchen Extension.
Although not quite up to the standards Gordon Ramsey or Delia Smith might expect, staff at CHILDREN 1ST are delighted with their extended kitchen which has been funded by Aberdeen based transport giant, FirstGroup.
Work has just finished extending and improving the kitchen area at the CHILDREN 1ST headquarters in Carden Place, Aberdeen. The Charity, formerly known as the Royal Scottish Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Children (RSSPCC), supports families under stress, protects children from harm and neglect, helps them recover from abuse and promotes children's rights and interests.
“Our old kitchen area was very cramped and wholly inadequate,” said Emily Johnson, Senior Regional Fundraiser at CHILDREN 1ST. “We wanted to create an interactive, pleasant and sociable area for the children that visit us. Thanks to the support from First we have been able to extend our kitchen and it now doubles up as a children friendly break-out area.”
She added: “We have already had children baking cakes, cooking meals and generally interacting with staff and other children. This helps enhance the children’s social development and self esteem.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support from First – it has made a real difference in the atmosphere and has helped many of the children that visit us.”
Managing Director of First in Aberdeen, George Mair, said: “First’s vision is to transform travel. I am very proud that we can also do our bit to help transform lives. CHILDREN 1ST is a wonderful charity and thoroughly deserving of our support. I am not sure that Gordon Ramsey could provide a gourmet meal for 100 in this kitchen, however, it may just inspire some of the children to follow in his footsteps!”
CHILDREN 1ST was awarded funding by FirstGroup’s Sponsorship and Charity Committee. The Committee comprises 12 members of staff based throughout Britain. The Committee considers requests for funding and gifts from groups and organisations across the country. It aims to provide charitable support in line with three specific criteria – young people, health and the environment. For further information on the committee please visit www.firstgroup.com.