A renowned renewables firm has announced the launch of a brand-new charitable initiative, which will see its staff support two local charities in Scotland and England this year.

Scottish staff at OnPath Energy will volunteer and fundraise for Beatson Cancer Charity, which supports people affected by cancer through specialist care, research for communities across Scotland.

The firm has set a target of raising £5,000 for both charities, with every £1,000 raised by staff being matched by the firm for each cause up to the tune of £5,000.

Founded in 2014, Beatson Cancer Charity supports people affected by cancer by improving care, funding research, and offering specialist services such as its Wellbeing Centre.

In partnership with the NHS and communities across Scotland, the charity provides vital support to cancer patients across the country.

This includes services such as, complementary therapies, hairdressing, wig fitting, befriending services, and podiatry treatment to those who have been diagnosed with cancer and are receiving treatment.

Beatson Cancer Charity was chosen as the Scottish charity, with staff highlighting personal connections to the charity as a reason for selecting them.

Head of Land at OnPath Energy, Suzy Killin said: “I nominated Beatson Cancer Charity because cancer has profoundly impacted many of us, including my own family.

My dad received treatment at Beatson for prostate cancer, and he always spoke highly of the exceptional care he received. The staff were amazing, and they also really supported my mum during such a difficult time.

Beatson holds a special place in my heart and in the hearts of many of my colleagues at OnPath Energy. Many of us have personal connections to the charity, making it incredibly meaningful to support an organisation that does such outstanding work.”

To support the initiative, each employee has been given an volunteering day each year, enabling them to contribute time to the chosen charity or other community projects.

Planned activities include assisting Beatson’s befriending services, taking part in community events, and helping with operational tasks such as maintaining the charity’s gardens.

Heilidh Wilson, Corporate Fundraiser for Beatson Cancer Charity said: “From fundraising efforts to volunteering activities, the support of OnPath Energy will make a huge difference in the lives of those we support.”

The initiative is part of a new company-wide social and fundraising programme designed to inspire employees to support causes close to their hearts by nominating and voting for charities.

OnPath Energy placed a strong emphasis on nominating local charities rather than larger, nationally profitable charities.

Lauren McGregor, Corporate Fundraiser for Beatson Cancer Charity added: “We are incredibly grateful to have been chosen as their charity of the year. Partnerships like this are crucial in allowing us to extend our reach and deliver the life-changing work our team do every day.”

The charity of the year initiative extends to the organisation’s English headquarters, where Sunderland Community Soup Kitchen, a local charity combating poverty and hunger, has been selected.

This independent organisation provides essential support for vulnerable individuals in Sunderland, ranging from hot meals to workshops.

Nicky Gallagher, Human Resources Director at OnPath Energy, said: “As a business and as individuals, we feel strongly about making a difference in the communities we work in, and so we wanted to come together to raise money for local charities close to both our English and Scottish offices.

We have lots of team fundraising activities and events planned that will help us reach our fundraising target and plan to have a lot of fun along the way.”