KIND-hearted staff at npower’s call centre in Worcester are celebrating after a successful year as an official call centre for BBC Children in Need.
Alongside CEO Paul Coffey, 110 employees manned the 50 dedicated phone lines, taking almost 2,000 calls throughout the night. Donations taken totalled over £80,000 – adding to the £50million so far donated to Children in Need this year.
The volunteers, who work across npower offices, got into the spirit of things by dressing 80s-style in fluorescent leggings, leg warmers and head bands.
They were kept energised throughout the evening, which began at 6.45pm last Friday and ended at 1am the following morning, with food and drink, an 80s-themed disco and party games.
Paul Coffey, CEO of npower and volunteer for the evening, said: “I was immensely proud that our staff were able to help BBC Children in Need’s appeal show again this year.
By giving the general public a quick and easy way to donate, we are doing our bit to help an incredibly worthy cause.
“Morale was high throughout the evening and staff went above and beyond to ensure that every call was answered and every donation taken.”
Claire Cooper, a senior adviser for npower and volunteer for the evening, also said: “It was a fantastic evening. I took part last year and there was no way I was missing out this year. I bought my outfit weeks ago and ate tonnes of sweets and take-away pizza on the night.
“It never fails to surprise me how generous the UK public are, and with such heart-breaking stories aired throughout the night, I was glad to be able to do my part. I brought a good few raffle tickets too to help raise the fundraising total – and bagged a couple of prizes!”
Deputy Mayor of Worcester, Coun Jabba Riaz, added: “This is a great example of corporate social responsibility at its best: not for the kudos but because they genuinely care.
“Behind the faces of corporate logos and facades lie human faces, stories and compassion. It is this compassion and humanity I witnessed today, coming together selflessly to support a great cause.”
