The fifth anniversary of the acquisition of Stanlow Refinery by Essar Oil UK has been recognised with a £7,500 donation from the company to the Ellesmere Port based Bridge Community Farm.
Representatives of the social enterprise attended the celebration at Stanlow to showcase its impressive range of farm produce and a further £450 was collected on the day from the sale of cakes and flower arrangements produced by Essar employees.
Francis Ball, from Bridge Community Farm, said: We were so very grateful to be selected by Essar employees to be the beneficiary of their anniversary event this year and were overwhelmed by the support and encouragement we received on the day.
“We work hard to ‘grow better lives’ by providing jobs for the long term unemployed, a therapeutic environment for those with mental health and learning difficulties and outdoor study facilities for young people. Essar employees helped us in so many ways at their anniversary event. They bought our produce, signed up for weekly veg boxes, ordered our handmade and painted replica signs, offered their support as volunteers and raised £450 in donations for us on the day.
“On top of all that 'love' and encouragement the company gave us a cheque for £7,500, which will be hugely helpful in enabling us to continue our work in Ellesmere Port.”
Jon Mason, Stanlow Site Manager, commented: “Bridge Community Farm does some outstanding work in the community and it was a real privilege to meet some of the volunteers when they came to Stanlow. I’m delighted we were able to link our anniversary celebrations with support for such a deserving local cause.”
