Volunteers from Urenco Capenhurst have been busy helping Chester Zoo’s Membership Team manage the dispatch of around 12,000 requests to ‘Adopt an Animal’ following the launch of the ‘Save Our Zoo’ campaign in mid-June.
Urenco Capenhurst became a Chester Zoo Corporate Champion in June following the appeal. All Urenco employees are encouraged to participate in community volunteering opportunities, with the company awarding eight hours a year for every employee to support valuable local initiatives. So far, Urenco volunteers have packed nearly 1000 adoption packs for Chester Zoo.
Lynton Simmonds, Managing Director, Urenco UK Ltd said: “Our volunteering programme has given us a great opportunity to help the zoo in its hour of need. Over time we have built up a great relationship with them and at this time of year we would normally be planning our Chester Zoo Family Day, inviting our workforce and their families to enjoy a day out.
“When we heard that Chester Zoo needed support because of the impact of Coronavirus when it had to remain closed to the public, our employees wanted to help. Not only have they used their volunteering hours there, several have adopted animals and taken out memberships to help ensure the zoo can continue with its efforts to prevent the extinction of endangered species, as well as remain a fantastic place for everyone to enjoy.”
Jamie Christon, Chief Operating Officer at Chester Zoo said:
“We’ve been truly overwhelmed by the kindness that we’ve been shown when times are hard for everyone, not just us, and we’re really grateful to Urenco Capenhurst for helping us out – not only with a donation but also with the teams of volunteers who have given up their time to support us with the huge number of requests to adopt an animal that we received as a result of our Save Our Zoo campaign. It’s making a huge difference in helping us get back to our feet as we fight to ensure that this great charity zoo has a future.”
With a host of measures in place to allow for social distancing and make the site as safe as possible for visitors, Chester Zoo was able to open again one month ago. The zoo continues to appeal for support to help bridge the huge funding gap created as a result of the pandemic.
Urenco Capenhurst will provide ongoing assistance through its volunteering programme and its corporate championship status.