Portsmouth Hive overwhelmed by £5,000 donation from BAE Systems to continue work during Coronavirus lockdown
COMMUNITY efforts to protect vulnerable residents during the coronavirus pandemic have been given a welcome boost following a major donation from a defence giant.
Hive Portsmouth has received a £5,000 windfall from BAE Systems to help the group with its response to Covid-19.
The Hive is working in partnership with a number of organisations including Portsmouth City Council, NHS Portsmouth Clinical Commissioning Group, Pompey in the Community, the Salvation Army, Age UK, food banks and Victorious Events.
Its army of more than 400 volunteers help deliver everything from food parcels and medicines to residents shielding from Covid-19.
A BAE Systems spokesman said: ‘Our donation to Hive is contributing to food parcels as well as other measures to support vulnerable residents such as activity packs and provisions to enhance mental health during the pandemic.’
The windfall has been welcomed by leaders within the community response project, which is overseen by Portsmouth City Council.
Louise Wilders, operational director at the Hive, said: ‘A huge thank you to BAE Systems for their kind financial donation which will help us to continue to support the most vulnerable in our community.
‘We have had great support from businesses and residents donating money via Portsmouth Hive website, food or time to help vulnerable and isolated people in Portsmouth. You have made a difference.’
BAE Systems employs more than 3,300 people across Portsmouth, with staff working at Portsmouth Naval Base and Hilsea’s Broadoak facility.
For details on the Hive, see hiveportsmouth.org.uk/covid-19 or call 023 9261 6709 from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.