Serco get on their bikes for charity in Woking

A Stoke-on-Trent jobseeker who secured employment through the Work Programme with Serco's subcontractor, Shaw Trust was one of three finalists for the Significant Achievement Award at last night's Employment Related Services Association (ERSA) Employability Awards held at One Great George Street, London.

The Award, sponsored by Serco's environmental services team in Woking aim to raise at least £500 for local charity, Face the Future through a range of fundraising activities, including taking part in the Team Race of the Woking leg of the cycle Tour Series for the first time.

The team, who provide street cleansing and landscaping services on behalf of Woking Borough Council, wanted to do special something to mark a milestone year for Serco in which the company celebrates its 10th anniversary of delivering environmental services in Woking, as well as its 25th anniversary as a FTSE listed company.

The team agreed that they wanted to have some fun but also raise some money for a local charity in the process. Local celebrations will kick-off on Friday 24 May with a staff BBQ and some fundraising events including a Sweeper pulling competition and raffle. The team's fundraising activities will culminate in 4 members of the team entering the Team Race of the Woking leg of the cycle Tour Series on Tuesday 11 June.

Face The Future was co founded by Alison and Gary Lane following the loss of their son Jake who had Treachers Collins Syndrome.   The charity, which is based in Woking, provides much needed care and support to children with facial physical needs. They also offer these children and their families an opportunity to recharge their batteries and get away from it all through fun days out and free, short breaks on the coast.

Alison Lane from Face The Future said:"We are delighted that the Serco have chosen to support Face the Future. We are a small charity and every penny counts. The money that the team plans to raise will really make a difference and enable us to continue providing vital help, support and advice to these children and their families."

Jason Kinsella, Serco's Contract Manger, added: "Our local team wanted to mark our 10 years in Woking by doing something to support our local community and raising money for charity.  The team voted overwhelmingly to support Face the Future and are now looking forward to supporting this small local charity for whom every penny really does make a difference."

Anyone who wishes to sponsor Serco's environmental services team can do so by visiting: www.justgiving.com/tourseries-Serco. Local residents or businesses who would like to donate a prize for the raffle on Friday 24 May can contact Jason Kinsella directly via the Serco helpdesk on 01483 775 422.

ENDS