AN emotion-charged evening saw charities across the region pick up donations thanks to the efforts of staff at Procter & gamble's West Thurrock plant.

The sixth annual Thurrock Charity Awards event, part of the company's national Community Impact programme, took place at the Civic Hall at Blackshots more than 260 guests, including P&G employees, Mayor and Mayoress Cllr Terry Piccolo and his wife Joan Piccolo and representative of charities enjoyed a memorable evening.

The evening reception kicked off with full red carpet treatment including a mock flash mob and official photography session, which was then followed by dinner and the night's awards ceremony.

Entertainment throughout the evening was provided by Evolution College and Legends Theatre School, as well as a Gordon Ramsey lookalike and Britain's Got Talent ventriloquist Jimmy Tamley.

The awards recognise and celebrate the fundraising efforts of P&G employees and their work with local charities throughout the year.

Four local charities were chosen as the main recipients. They are Charity donations this year included, Thurrock Wize Up (a team of experienced workers that specialises in supporting children, young people aged 18 years-old and under, and families across the Thurrock area dealing with problems of substance misuse) who received £4,100, Canvey Island First Responders who received £4,000, Kingsdown Special School from Southend and the Chafford 180 project who received £6,000 to help continue their work in the local community.

Additional awards were announced throughout the evening to charities and guests were treated to short films showcasing the work of these charities. In recognition of the great fundraising efforts of P&G employees, a further £14,000 was awarded to eight employees who will be donating from £1,000 to £3,000 to their nominated charities.

P&G's Thurrock Community Matters co-ordinator, Paul Wilson, said: "P&G are committed to helping and support local charities as part of its national Community Matters programme. We have a longstanding history in West Thurrock of 82 years, having been based here since 1937.

"It's really important that, as one of the largest employers in the area, we help our local community. We are delighted to support these great charities this year, as well as a number of other charities supported by our own employees.

"We are delighted that over the last six years we have now donated more than a quarter of a million pounds to help charities continue their incredible work."

The 180 Project is an initiative led by Community Church, which started, and remains based in Chafford Hundred, but now has active congregations in Chadwell St Mary, South Ockendon and Basildon. The Project was set up to provide support and help to those within the community who are in challenging situations. There are several branches to the 180 Project which provide relevant support to different people groups; children, young people, families, money and reaching out beyond our local community.

Elle Knight and Michelle Safo from the 180 project said: "We are so excited to have be made one of their charity partners for 2020. The money that they've awarded us will enable us to help more young people to uncover their unique identity and purpose in the coming months; we can't wait to be able to share the impact this has, it really will make a difference!

"Thank you P&G for this opportunity to transform more lives of young people in our local communities and also for their direct involvement in opening their doors to students so they can see P&G in action."

Karen Lanley from Kingsdown School said: "I would like to start by thanking P&G for inviting us to the amazing evening. What a fantastic and very professional night. Some incredible stories and fantastic charities. And to say we were very grateful to receive the award of £6,000 is an understatement. What the money will mean to the children of Kingsdown school can't be put into words but their faces will say it all."

Stephanie Trew and James Dennis from Canvey Island Community First Responders said: "We would like to say a huge thank you to P&G. The award that has been donated to our group will go such a long way and really help the community on Canvey Island.

"We will be able to continue to roll out our public access defib programme along with purchasing the feedback technology resus mannequins so that we can teach out how to perform CPR correctly and effectively to the community.

"Thank you to P&G also for the evening - it was an amazing evening and to see all the other charities and individuals also get recognition for their efforts with raising funds for their chosen groups."