Welcome on board, PD Ports!

We are thrilled to welcome iconic Tees firm PD Ports as Patrons, cementing a longstanding relationship between the two organisations.

Middlesbrough-headquartered PD Ports is the owner of Teesport, the statutory harbour authority for the River Tees and the region’s largest private employer. 

Despite their size, they cultivate a culture of care, supporting many good causes, encouraging staff to get on board with their good works and being dedicated to helping young people.

Having supported the Foundation’s fundraising efforts for many years, it’s great to finally sign them up as official Patrons.

“We decided to become patrons of the Philanthropic Foundation because we love the spirt of the organisation and its commitment to helping those who need support the most. We share similar cultural values of respect, support and empowerment,” said Kirsten Donkin, PD Ports head of PR, marketing and communications.

“Being an umbrella charity, the Foundation is able to help many different organisations and individuals at the very heart of the community. They’ve always had the best of intentions and know exactly where to deliver funds to ensure that the money makes the most difference to the people of Teesside.”

PD Ports really stepped up to the mark during Covid, not only supporting the Foundation with various good causes, but putting aside a huge £50,000 to support charities nominated by their employees.

“We used £10,000 of that amount to supply iPads to James Cook and North Tees hospitals to help those being treated for covid to connect with their loved ones,” said Kirsten.

“It was Diane at the Foundation who facilitated this for us – another good reason why we decided to 

formalise our relationship.”

A £5,000 donation to the Foundation also kicked off our digital poverty appeal that has now topped £100,000.

Kirsten is excited to be part of the decision-making process that comes with being a Foundation Patron.

“I am really looking forward to working with the Foundation and making a positive difference amongst the local community” she said. “We want to help improve society on Teesside. Our efforts have already been recognised via the chamber of commerce with a Business Hero stamp, but this is another way of leaving a legacy of care.

“We have a duty to make tomorrow brighter for the next generation.” 

Our picture shows PD Ports CEO Frans Calje (right) with our founder Andy Preston on the steps of PD’s Middlesbrough HQ.