Nearly £2,500 has been donated to two charities by property developers BEC.

An annual Christmas party fundraiser sees team donations matched by the company.

This year, Calderwood House and Howgill Family Centre will receive the money raised.

Adam Phillips, BEC’s community and energy officer and management trainee Rachel Murray led the charitable fundraiser.

Adam said: “A huge part of our festive charity programme is increasing our internal understanding about the vital role the charities we choose play in our society. We are thrilled to have raised £1225 for each charity as well as raising awareness.”

And Rachel added: “Christmas is such a happy time for so many people but it’s vital to remember that others are not so lucky and where we can, we should look to share our good fortune. This principal is the bedrock of our charitable choices this year. Howgill and Calderwood both do so much to bring cheer to those who may be isolated, lonely or vulnerable this December.”

The fundraiser brings together employees from all sites in the BEC estate – including Westlakes Science Park, Derwent Howe and the Cleator Moor HQ.

It is part of Giving BEC, where the company supports community organisations.

In 2018, around fifteen community organisations have benefitted from more than 100 hours of the team’s voluntary time, in-kind advice and support.

Howgill Family Centre is a charity which provides education, skills, health, and social care services for children and their families across West Cumbria.

Calderwood House, in Egremont, provides accommodation and support for homeless people, prioritising ex-military personnel and the unemployed.

Tracey Newbold, a support worker at Howgill Family Centre, said: “ This money will help us to ensure we can provide emergency food hampers over Christmas.

"So far we have had more than 70 from professional services referrals with requests to assist families with hampers, so every penny helps to ensure no one goes without.

"Our team will also use the funds to help distribute unwrapped toys to parents and carers for them to wrap for children who otherwise would get very little."

Calderwood House founder Rachel Holiday said: “Winter is sadly our busiest time. We are currently full of men and women of all ages.

"Our staff and volunteers need to work overtime so no one is left outside at Christmas.

"Luckily we have fantastic staff on site 24 hours a day and we have food, warmth, kindness and compassion.

"Most importantly, we have people in our community who constantly support our project and keep the doors open to those in need.

"BEC employees have made a special difference this year, with these donations we will make sure no one goes hungry this Christmas.”