Hull-based engineering and construction company Spencer Group has donated 200 reusable water bottles to Longhill Primary School, helping ensure pupils have access to drinking water throughout the school day.
The donation followed an approach from Tracy Jones, Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead at the school, who contacted Spencer Group’s Group Marketing Director, Dan Wilson, earlier this summer to ask whether the company had any spare water bottles left over from previous events.
With some children arriving at school without their own bottles and the school’s supply of spares running low, Tracy hoped the business might be able to help.
However, rather than simply providing surplus stock, Spencer Group decided to purchase 200 brand new reusable water bottles, with 50 supplied in each of the school’s four house colours of red, blue, yellow and green.
Spencer Group founder and Executive Chairman Charlie Spencer OBE visited the school to officially hand over the donation to Assistant Headteacher Mrs Deakin, with a group of pupils joining them to say thank you.
The children had also created a special ‘thank you’ poster for Charlie, a gesture that was warmly received.
Charlie, who has supported numerous schools, charities and educational initiatives throughout his career, said:
“When we heard that some of the children didn’t have their own water bottles, it seemed like a simple way we could make a difference.
“Education and giving young people the best possible start in life are things I’ve always felt strongly about. Schools do a fantastic job, often with limited resources, and if we can help make their day-to-day lives a little easier, then we’re very happy to do so.
“It was lovely to meet some of the children and receive their ‘thank you’ poster. That was a really thoughtful gesture and much appreciated.”
A founding member of Ron Dearing University Technical College (UTC) in Hull, Charlie has long championed opportunities for young people, with Spencer Group continuing to support education, apprenticeships and community initiatives across the region.
The donation to Longhill Primary School is another example of the company’s commitment to supporting local communities and making a positive difference wherever it can.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Spencer Group for this generous donation. Having enough water bottles available for our pupils makes a real difference, and the fact that they’ve been provided in our school house colours makes them even more special.
“The children were delighted to welcome Charlie and say thank you in person.”
