A firm with a base in West Cumbria has donated £9,000 to help support older people living in the area.
AVRS Systems, an electrical and mechanical engineering firm, has given the cash to Age UK West Cumbria.
It has an office in Ponsonby and the donation is part of its commitment to give £25,000 to good causes to help combat the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
The £9,000 gift is the single biggest donation to any charity that has ever been given by the company.
It will go towards the continued work Age UK West Cumbria deliver in the local community.
Throughout the lockdown it has been providing services including information and advice, telephone befriending, dog walking and shopping for those unable to leave the house.
Mo Akhmed, managing director of AVRS Systems, said: “We believe strongly in making a difference to peoples lives in the communities in which we operate.
“We have previously supported Age UK West Cumbria in 2019 and are acutely aware of the impacts of this pandemic, particularly on older people.
“We have donated with the knowledge that the money will be targeted at those who most need it.”
Jane Mindar, Age UK West Cumbria chief executive officer, said: “Operating a charity through the pandemic has been a challenge.
“Our shops are one of our main areas of income to support our services, and unfortunately we have taken a financial hit due to the lockdown.
“Donations, especially one of this size, are a great help to ensure that we can continue to offer our services to the older people in West Cumbria who need it most.
“We are so grateful for any help that we receive.”
