Happy new year, Mayor! 

Arval raises over £6,000 for Mayor's nominated charities

 

Mayor's message: Cllr. Barnes thanks Arval for  their New Year gift

2008 is only just upon us, but it has already been an exciting time for Swindon's Mayor, with a generous donation received for his four nominated charities.

  

Car-fleet giant, Arval, whose staff at the Windmill Hill Business Park raised a total of £6,355 in their Christmas raffle, have kindly donated all proceeds to the Mayor's local causes.

 

Amongst a fantastic array of goodies on offer, there were two of the sought-after Nintendo Wii consoles, a number of iPod Nanos and plenty of wine!

 

Cllr. Michael Barnes, who will hang up his chains in May of this year, has a few months to put the money to good use.

 

The four nominated charities which will benefit from the money, are: TWIGS (Therapeutic Work in Gardening in Swindon), Swindon Samaritans, Swindon Therapy Centre for Multiple Sclerosis, and Broadgreen Breakfast Club.

 

Smiles all round: Arval Company Secretary Julian Brand and daughter Cara, with the Mayor and Mayoress

 

Cllr. Barnes told us: "I'm completely overwhelmed, and honoured that Arval have chosen to donate all the proceeds of their Christmas raffle to my four charities."

 

"It's fantastic to see a company of this size really working to help the local community, and it's great because the staff will be able to see the difference the money can make."