As part of our recent survey across our business operations, we offered those who took part the opportunity to nominate a charity for a £1,000 donation.
Ian Oldridge, National Compliance Manager for Wincanton, was the lucky winner and was quick to nominate the RNLI as his chosen charity.
He handed over the cheque at the Humber Lifeboat Station in East Yorkshire, accompanied by Scott Bailey and Alex Lees – Scott Bailey is soon to open and manage our new branch in nearby Hull.
Ian said: “I was happy to help Dawsons with their questionnaire regardless of any prize. It was a serious research project and, although I obviously knew about the charity donation offer, I answered all the questions never imagining that my name would be drawn out of the hat! But it was a unique charity opportunity, so I was happy to be in with a chance.”
“I have always had a soft spot for the RNLI,” he said. "There can’t be many of us who haven’t occasionally imagined the mind-numbing weather and mountainous seas they set off into in their efforts to save lives. And they have to rely entirely on voluntary contributions just to keep going! I think it’s a tremendous service they perform so I was really pleased to have this chance to contribute.”
Scott Bailey commented: “We were very pleased with the results of the survey and that customers rated us highly across the board. We’re proud of the services we provide and are delighted that customers value what we do for them and like working with us! We’re more than happy to reward that willingness to provide honest and useful feedback by making this donation, especially to a charity that means a lot to Ian.”
The RNLI team at Spurn Point was delighted with the donation. Accepting it on behalf of the RNLI, Jamie White, Second Coxswain of the All Weather Severn Class Lifeboat 'RNLB Pride Of The Humber', said: “We’re lucky that people such as Ian recognise our total reliance on the voluntary gifts and legacies that people are so kind to give us. It costs a huge amount every year to keep modern boats and experienced crews on station right around the country, ready to go out in any weather to the aid of people and shipping in distress. Donations such as this by Ian and the Dawsongroup team are always very welcome, and we thank them for it.”