Our founder Steve Dayman met up with two of our volunteer Community Ambassadors, Bob and Barbara Johnson, to receive a huge cheque – in both senses of the word
Steve (centre), is seen here with Chris Lewis (left), chief executive of our corporate supporter DP World London Gateway, with the cheque for more than £19,000. With them are, from left, Andrew Bowen (Port Operations Director), Bob and Barbara Johnson, and Liz Barker and Lesleyann Beardwell, who organised the DP World London Gateway’s annual charity quiz, held in October, where the money was raised.
Steve said, “The ongoing support of DP World and its associates gives us all a welcome boost and helps us to continue to make a significant contribution to the meningitis cause."
“On behalf of everyone associated with Meningitis Now thank you so much, your support really is appreciated.”
Chosen charities
Over 300 people attended the quiz to raise money for Meningitis Now and Little Havens Hospice, the Port and Logistics Park's two chosen charities.
Held at Orsett Hall, the quiz included a number of rounds. The first saw participants attempt to construct the tallest structure possible out of marshmallows and spaghetti. Castle Point Motors and Amber Hydraulics created a 75cm tower, which saw them top the rankings and win the first round of the night.
Port Operations Director Andrew Bowen assumed the role of quizmaster for the fifth year in a row. In the rounds that followed, he fired off his cruel quiz questions to a bewildered audience; attendees were tasked with identifying the make and model of certain cars and answer questions such as how many truck service lanes the port has, where in the world you would be going if your luggage label read "SCL" and which Ed Sheeran song spent 13 weeks at number one.
Great prizes
Great prizes were won in the raffle, from a 49" TV, to iPads, wine, watches and more. The silent auction saw highest bidders secure experiences such as a one hour helicopter ride, a trip to Bruges and an opportunity to play golf at world famous courses.
Bob Johnson gave a speech about the work we undertake to help those suffering – touching the audience with tales of his own experiences.
Chris Lewis said, “These annual quiz nights have become one of DP World London Gateway’s flagship and most eagerly anticipated events, bringing together customers, suppliers, staff and other key stakeholders for a night of great fun and, most importantly, appreciation for the tireless work these two wonderful charities carry out in both the local and wider community."
Fantastic support
“I am proud that the team is able to pull together such an event and raise so much money. With the fantastic support we receive, we’ve now raised more than £200,000 for charity over four years – a superb achievement for a business that is only now in its fifth year.”
DP World London Gateway has been supporting Meningitis Now since 2014. The Essex-based company, which manages one of the fastest growing container terminals in the world – handling goods arriving into the UK from every corner of the world – employs 500 people from across the South East, with a further 200 working on site for contractors providing services such as catering and security.
Contracted meningitis
The decision to support Meningitis Now came in January 2014 when a ‘much-loved’ young member of the DP World London Gateway team passed away quite suddenly after contracting meningitis. He was just 20 years old.
Andrew Bowen explained, “Later that year, at the port’s annual charity quiz night a decision was made to raise funds for Meningitis Now - after several team members had also raised money for the charity in memory of their colleague.”
In just four years, the quizzes – organised by a team of three volunteers – have raised £66,000 for Meningitis Now.
