Pro Installer March 2014 - Issue 12 | Page 3

3 PRO INSTALLER MARCH 2014 PRO NEWS @proinstaller1 TOOLSTATION TEAM BOOSTS RNLI FLOOD SEARCH & RESCUE FUNDS Toolstation has held a major fund raising day to assist the RNLI’s Flood Rescue Team. The Bridgwater company is a major sponsor of this highly trained unit which specialises in search and rescue work in fast moving flood water across the UK. Demand for its services has been at an unprecedented level in recent weeks responding to the UK floods. Toolstation’s special fund raising day was held in conjunction with the RNLI’s SOS day, and the company organised a number of sponsored events such as a Sixties or Seventies fancy dress day, a treasure hunt and a cake decorating competition. Additional fund raising activities were held across Toolstation’s 148 branches nationwide, and the company also took part in a national sweepstake based on all the RNLI life boat stations. All money raised will be given to the RNLI Flood Rescue Team. Toolstation’s Managing Director Neil Carroll said that he was delighted to see such a strong response from everyone in the company. “Flooding across the UK has reached exceptional levels and the RNLI’s Flood Rescue Team has been working non-stop to help people and communities in the affected areas,” he said. “Since we took on the position of corporate sponsor for the Flood Rescue Team in 2010, one of our key aims has been to help raise funds and support its wide range of operational activities. The team does not receive government funding and we are pleased that everyone at Toolstation was willing to support and raise more money for such a great cause.” Robin Goodlad, RNLI Flood Response Manager, said: “Demand for our services continues to grow fast, and our volunteer teams were deployed as recently as January evacuating people from flooded homes in Wales. Since our formation in 2000, we now have around 250 trained volunteers divided into teams around the UK and Ireland to respond to incidents of inland flooding. Although Flood Rescue Team members are lifeboat crew, they undertake specialist training in order to work in flood water, which behaves differently to the sea water they are used to. They are also equipped with specialist equipment to enable them to carry out their vital work. “We’re really grateful for the support of Toolstation in funding our training and equipment and for taking part in our major fundraising day.” ‘really grateful for the support’ Toolstation is one of Britain’s fastest growing suppliers to the trade. Stocking a wide range of tools and hardware products, its catalogue is packed with over 11,000 quality products at low trade prices, including top brands and trade essentials. www.toolstation.com