CEMEX lend a hand at Middleton Lakes

Company’s Lendahand scheme allows 13 volunteers to take time off to help improve RSPB nature reserve

A CEMEX Lendahand volunteering day took place at RSPB Middleton Lakes, near Tamworth, recently, taking the total of amount of time volunteered by employees through the Lendahand scheme to more than 1,200 hours.

The Lendahand volunteering scheme gives CEMEX employees the opportunity to take time off work to help in the community while being paid by the company. The 13 volunteers from the UK aggregates business spent time at RSPB Middleton Lakes clearing areas and making major repairs.

‘The team from CEMEX was brilliant,’ commented Dr Stefan Bodnar of RSPB Middleton Lakes. ‘The fencing of a silt lagoon at our main visitor area was essential to allow safe access on to this part of the reserve. The job they achieved was critical, as it allowed us to safely open up the ‘play meadow’ area for our young visitors. The team worked really hard and achieved a great result.’

Rob Doody, director of aggregate operations, said: ‘There’s no doubt that it was a physically hard day and very different from our normal day-to-day work. We all thoroughly enjoyed it and it was so rewarding. It’s good to know that our work will contribute and ensure that local people can safely visit and enjoy Middleton Lakes.’

CEMEX organize days at nature reserves and wildlife trusts, such as the one at Middleton Lakes, on a regular basis but colleagues can also choose their own charity. For example, the company’s senior management team has assisted the Bluebell Hospice, in Sheffield, with repairs, painting and decorating.