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Anglo American, the owners of the Woodsmith polyhalite mining project on the North Yorkshire coast, has donated over £60,000 to three local charities: Yorkshire Air Ambulance, Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice in Middlesbrough and the Rainbow Centre in Scarborough.

The charities were chosen by staff based around three themes important to the business: safety, care and community, with the money raised from an internal company initiative that encourages safe and responsible practices and behaviours.

Each of the charities received £21,600, money which is badly needed as charities face up to the challenges of adapting their service provision during the coronavirus pandemic.

‘’Anglo American’s support, especially during these challenging times, means so much to everyone here,” said Sara Benson, Corporate Fundraiser at Zoe’s Place, which provides palliative, respite and end of life care to babies and infants suffering from life-limiting or life-threatening conditions.

“Our service, which is offered free, costs us £3,600 per day, which the charity cannot meet without the help of fundraisers and donors.”

“It costs £12,000 a day to keep both of Yorkshire’s air ambulances maintained and, in the air, and the support we receive helps greatly towards the vital funding of our service,” said Bob Smailes, Regional Fundraising Manager for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

“So thanks to Anglo American for their continued support and generosity.” The charity runs two helicopters providing a lifesaving rapid response emergency service to 5 million people across the whole of Yorkshire.

The Rainbow Centre in Scarborough, which supports the homeless, vulnerable and people in crisis, helps over 500 people a week, from those who battle drugs and addiction, to families facing severe financial pressure and those who need access to food or clothing banks.

“Christmas is one of our busiest times, so the support we are receiving from Anglo American is truly fantastic,” said Director Kerry Hiller.

“It’s actually one of the largest donations we have ever received and will make a huge difference in enabling us to care for more vulnerable people in our local area.’’

Anglo American staff on the Woodsmith Project vote for the charities they would like the company to donate to every year. The 2021 charities will be voted for early in the new year.