As part of Metroline’s Employee Survey campaign, every survey that was completed would result in £1 being donated to a charitable cause. Team Metroline delivered, raising a fantastic amount for those in need.
During our company survey we raised an impressive £2102 for our designated charity, Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice. On 29th May we were invited to visit their centre in Barnet to see the amazing work they do and the support they provide to children and their families.
Chief Operating Officer, Steve Harris, was accompanied by Potters Bar Garage Manager James Wright, and Potters Bar Driver Vakkas Doldur to take a tour of the facility and learn a bit more about the charity’s work. Based in Barnet, Noah’s Ark provides expert and compassionate palliative care for over 350 children a year who have a life-limiting or life-threatening condition. As James puts it, “The work Noah’s Ark carry out is truly inspiring. The environment they create is one of peace and happiness in a wider context of sadness and grief. The support they provide to children and their families, words cannot describe.”
Reflecting on his visit, Steve Harris noted, “For the families and children supported by Noah’s Ark in Barnet, it’s the little things that make a difference. It was wonderful to be invited to see the centre for ourselves and observe the fantastic staff and facilities supporting so many families, it does indeed bring a lump to your throat.”
Completed in 2019, the charity built the children’s hospice building, The Ark, which is set in a 7.5-acre nature reserve and carefully designed to meet the needs of children at different stages of their lives. “Walking amongst the wild meadow with the various memorials and seeing the many private spaces was truly a memorable experience that I will never forget,” Steve recalls. James echoed those sentiments: “Seeing the facility will be something that I will never forget. The range of activities for families, the picturesque grounds, the staff filled with positive energy and resilience in the face of trauma. The services they provide are wide ranging and are all centric around care and support for children and their families.”
Running the facility is no easy task and costs over £5 million a year to run their services, which is why our donation makes such a difference. We are in communication with the foundation to find further ways we can work with them and build a lasting relationship between Metroline and the Hospice. If you would like to find out more information about the charity or how you can get involved please visit their website at https://www.noahsarkhospice.org.uk/.
