Member Article

‘Mental Elf Day’ fundraiser sees over £2,000 raised for military mental health charity

Employees at EDF Energy in Doxford, Sunderland raised an impressive £2,044 for North East charity Veterans at Ease in a special ‘Mental Elf’ day event.

The day involved customer services representatives attending work dressed as an elf in exchange for a small donation as well an opportunity to get involved in a tombola and raffle to win some festive themed prizes.

Veterans at Ease provides mental health support for all military personnel and their families, both past and present, to help them deal with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and other combat stress-related issues.

Paul Davis, a Telephony Operations Manager at EDF Energy Doxford, said: “I used to serve in the army and have used the charity personally so I know the important role the charity plays in supporting those with military experience adjust to life once they leave the Armed Forces.

“The day was a huge success and I am delighted to raise the amount we did. There were some fantastic elves walking about and everyone really got involved and made a huge effort.”

Veterans at Ease was established in 2010 and is currently helping 50 veterans and eight family members. The charity provides bespoke psychotherapy for people from across the North East from its specialist therapy centre in Gateshead.

Garreth Murrell, CEO at Veterans at Ease, said: “As the North East’s leading military mental health charity, Veterans at Ease plays a fundamental role in helping military personnel and families in times of need - providing vital support and comfort to help people through difficult times.

“We would like to express our gratitude to EDF Energy employees and the amount they raised in the course of one day.

“The donation will enable us to offer more help to ex-service men and women and their families when they need it most. Thank you for all of your efforts.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by EDF Energy .