Member Article

Voneus supports Durham-branch of Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association as part of commitment to North East communities

Voneus, the rural community broadband specialist, today announced it is supporting the Mayor of Bishop Auckland’s chosen charity – the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) – as part of its investment in the community’s connectivity as the company grows operations in the North East.

The Durham branch of SSAFA provides lifelong support to the serving men and women veterans from the British Armed Forces living in the Bishop Auckland area, as well as their families and dependents. Voneus’s donation will be used as part of the charity’s isolation fund, helping to provide assistance to veterans and their families, widows and those in poor health, at a challenging time when many are already feeling cut-off and alone.

“The pandemic has reminded us of the work that SSAFA has been quietly doing over the years: the importance of kindness and what we can achieve when we work together,” said Mike Donne, Branch President for Durham SSAFA. “On behalf of SSAFA in County Durham, the volunteers and above all our beneficiaries a big thank you.”

“This year more than ever, the pandemic highlighted to me SSAFA’s invaluable work which is often goes unseen,” said Councillor Joy Allen, Mayor of Bishop Auckland. “Working with local volunteers I have seen first-hand how this fund is making a real difference particularly to the lives of our older veterans and their families. I am extremely grateful to Voneus for their generous donation which will go a long way to support local veterans, individuals and groups.”

Voneus’s donation to the charity is a continuation of its support for the residents and businesses in the North East as its presence in the area grows. Voneus also announced its sponsorship of Bishop Auckland FC in October 2020, and will also be supporting local engagement programmes in partnership with the club, enabling local residents and fans to engage with the Club and the wider community.

“We are glad to have found in this fantastic cause another opportunity to support the Bishop Auckland community, especially those in the community who might sometimes feel isolated or overlooked,” said Steve Leighton, CEO, Voneus. “At a time where many of us are feeling isolated regardless of where we live, it’s gratifying to be able to connect with people in more ways than one as we continue to grow our rural broadband operations in the North East.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Voneus .