Joint press release with International Steel Trade Association.
The International Steel Trade Association (ISTA), supported by PD Ports, is helping to make Christmas special for the many Teesside families who face a difficult time this festive period due to the closure of the SSI UK steelworks in Redcar.
PD Ports, owners and operators of Teesport on the North-east coast of England, nominated the Teesside Steel Appeal Charity to receive funds raised by members of ISTA at the Association’s annual lunch held in London earlier this month.
Over six and a half thousand pounds was raised by ISTA members and presented by Jeff Kabel, ISTA Chairman, to Teesside Steel Appeal representative, Brian Dennis, who attended the lunch. The funds will be used to buy Christmas presents, vouchers to assist families with food costs and also continue to support the families affected by the closure of the Redcar steelworks into the New Year.
Speaking on behalf of the Teesside Steel Appeal, Mr Dennis said: “We are so pleased ISTA and PD Ports have been able to help the Teesside Steel Appeal. This will mean so much to a community that has been absolutely devastated by the closure of the steelworks.
“The latest figures and statistics put Redcar and Cleveland Borough as number one in the country for unemployment which is a list no one here wants to be leading.
“The economic make up and social deprivation of our area means public appeals and charities make so much difference to the people living within our communities. The help from PD Ports and ISTA will go a million miles to assisting families in this time of need.”
Jeffrey Kabel, ISTA chairman, stated: “ISTA spends considerable amount of time selecting its annual Chairman’s charity. This year we believe former SSI steelworkers who acted as customers, suppliers and, sometimes, competitors are most worthy of our support.”
Kirsten Donkin, PD Ports’ PR and Communications Manager added: “Through our membership with ISTA we are delighted to see over six and half thousand pounds raised to help support families affected by the closure of the steelworks in Redcar.
“Teesside is renowned for its spirited and close-knit communities and it’s very humbling to be part of a region that’s pulling together to support each other through challenging times.”
