Goodyear workers in final pledge to help more charities
They have already helped more than 100 different community projects across the Black Country
And now former Goodyear workers are on the look-out for more good causes to support.
There is still a pot of money available from the 5/344 Transport and General Workers Union Benevolent Fund to benefit registered charities that are helping those in need.
From hospices to hospitals, schools to scout groups - many organisations have received support from the generous group.
Cyril Barrett, who worked at the now-closed Wolverhampton tyre plant for almost 40 years, said there was still some money available and he was appealing for charities looking for funding for projects to get in touch.
“We want to have one last go at finding new charities and new projects in Wolverhampton and the Black Country and if they meet the criteria, we will help them," he said.
"It’s about creating a living legacy to the people of Goodyear because they were decent, kind and considerate people.
“We want to continue to work with charities and allocate the funds we have left.
"We envisage closing the fund at some point next year when all the funds have been allocated,” he added.
Among the charitable groups that have benefited from the fund this year is Penn Hall School in Wolverhampton.
The school caters for youngsters with special educational needs and the fund trustees donated over £9,000 worth of specialist equipment, which will help the children’s learning and development of their motor skills.
The group has also purchased two tilt chairs for stroke patients worth £5,000 for Walsall Manor Hospital and new kitchen and household items for six women’s refuges run by The Haven in Wolverhampton.
Former Goodyear workers have also supported the Express & Star’s Feed a Family This Christmas appeal, donating £4,000 of food and toiletries to help individuals and families struggling to make ends meet.
The benevolent scheme was established following the closure of the Wolverhampton Goodyear tyre factory in 2015, from what was the workers’ sick pay fund.
To be considered for funding, organisations must be registered charities.
The group does not hand out cash donations but will instead purchase vital equipment or other items that will benefit them.
Applications that have already been turned down due to not meeting the criteria will not be considered again.
Charities can send details of their project to heather.large@expressandstar.co.uk and emails will be forwarded on to the Goodyear group for consideration.
