Accountant staff spread plenty of festive cheer

Jan 5 2011 by Peter McCusker, The Journal

MORE than 40 volunteers from accountants PricewaterhouseCoopers in Newcastle joined colleagues from 25 other PwC offices around the county in a nationwide community day to raise money for local charities and to mark the 25th anniversary of the PwC pantomime.

In Newcastle a festive flurry of activities took place to raise more than £2,500 for the office’s nominated charities, Safer Families Gateshead, The Children’s Heart Fund at the Freeman Hospital, The People’s Kitchen and to help local children attend live screenings of the PwC pantomime at cinemas and hospitals in the region on January 26, 2011.

A warm clothing collection took place in the office and more than 330 items were delivered to the People’s Kitchen. The charity feeds up to 150 people a night, offering them shelter, a place to wash and a change of clothes.

The office also collected more than 130 gifts and ran a secret Santa drop off for the Women’s Refuge and Safer Families Gateshead. Staff also organised a teddy bear sale to raise funds for the Children’s Heart Unit Fund at the Freeman Hospital.

Paul Woolston, senior partner PwC, Newcastle, said: “Supporting the local community always remains a priority for us, but especially as this festive time of year. Our volunteers have made a huge effort to give something valuable to our local communities and raise funds for our chosen charities. I am delighted with the support staff have made in the Newcastle office and I know their efforts have helped brighten the lives of those around them and spread a little festive cheer. I look forward to supporting the One Firm Community Day as an annual event for PwC across the North.”