By naming the RNLI its designated charity for 2017, GAC UK has made a commitment to both support its national fundraising efforts, and to swell its ranks by encouraging its employees to sign up as RNLI crew volunteers. Any GAC UK staff members that sign up will have the cost of their personal protective equipment (PPE) covered by the company and receive full pay while undergoing training. Local GAC offices around the nation will also be encouraged to make the RNLI the beneficiary of team charity events.
Every year, the RNLI runs several initiatives like its annual ‘Mayday’ campaign and the more recently introduced ‘Fish Supper’ which brings together people for a meal inspired by the sea, proving particularly popular. This year’s Fish Supper events will be held nationwide in the autumn and readers can check for details of, or register for their nearest event here. Ross Martin, the RNLI’s Corporate Manager gave more details, saying:
“The Fish Supper can be anything from a formal 4-course luxury meal with seafood as the star to a fish finger sandwich with a cheeky glass of Prosecco. That combination of a childhood favourite with a glass of bubbly may seem an unusual partnership but it’s a winning combination, and it’s partnerships, like ours with GAC UK, that make it possible for us to continue to save lives and raise awareness. The money raised and donated by GAC UK will go towards helping the RNLI achieve its challenging objectives. We are pleased and excited to be working with GAC and appreciate their support of our efforts, both in the UK and beyond.”
In addition to saving lives at sea, the RNLI also works to educate people about the dangers of water and precautions to prevent tragedy. It does so through initiatives like its prevention of drowning campaign, Respect the Water, taking place ahead of the summer season, again with the support of GAC UK. The company will also fund other campaigns, both around the UK and abroad, to raise awareness. GAC UK Managing Director Herman Jorgensen observed:
“We are a people-based shipping, logistics and marine services provider, so alignment with the RNLI seemed the natural choice when choosing the charity we would work with this year. The RNLI and its important work is well-known and respected by people throughout and beyond GAC UK, though some may not realise that it is a voluntary organisation that relies on support from the community it serves. It’s wholly reliant on donations. We consider ourselves part of that community, as most of our offices are in and around ports, often right next door to the local RNLI station.”
This link shows a map of RNLI events being held this year around the country.
Photo: RNLI Corporate Manager Ross Martin and GAC UK MD Herman Jorgensen at the charity's Queensferry Lifeboat Station next to the iconic Forth Bridge
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