NEWS
A Place in our hearts
Cleveland Security CEO Christine Baker with Ethan McEvoy ( left ) and Joel Donnelly
WORDS : JULIE BURNISTON PICTURE : TOM BANKS
O
Family-run
ver more than 40 years , Middlesbrough-based Cleveland Security has built a reputation on fairness and family values .
So it was only natural for the firm to want to support its local Baby Hospice , Zoe ’ s Place , in Normanby , when the charity found itself in need of a professional intruder alarm and CCTV system installation .
What the hospice didn ’ t bank on , however , was Cleveland Security ’ s MD Mike Bringloe being so moved by the plight of the babies and families in their care , that a decision was made to fundraise so that the security equipment needed , its installation and six years of keyholding services could be donated free of charge .
Due to the effects of Covid-19 on fundraising , Zoe ’ s Place had been forced to reduce its opening hours and the facilities available to parents , which meant that for the first time in its history , the building had to be closed some of the time .
This resulted in alarms and cameras urgently being required to keep it secure .
Along with a handful of other firms , Cleveland Security was asked to quote for this work , and when the email fell into the hands of Mike and Cleveland
firm Cleveland Security was quick to offer help when a local baby hospice found itself in need …
Security CEO Christine Baker , the pair immediately called a meeting to decide what to do next .
“ We are a charitable company , having been involved with different organisations over the years , such as The Teesside Family Foundation ,” said Christine .
“ Following Mike ’ s on-site survey , where he saw the support the hospice provides to Teesside families with children suffering from life-limiting and threatening conditions , we were both in complete agreement that we needed to help .”
Mike and Christine immediately began the task of contacting suppliers to ask if they would join Cleveland Security in supporting the hospice . As a result , Norbain and Texecom donated all the equipment needed for the project .
“ I was amazed and touched by their generosity and , as a result , Cleveland Security decided to provide their installation costs free of charge ,” said Christine .
In addition , Peter Drabble , of the Hill Street Centre in Middlesbrough , and Dean Benson , of Thornaby-based Visualsoft , have covered the ongoing annual costs of a keyholding service for the next six years .
That ’ s saved the hospice several thousand pounds , which can be used instead to provide vital care and support for the hospice ’ s babies and families .
“ After the NHS , I cannot think of a better charity to support than Zoe ’ s Place ,” said Mike , who was unable to be in our pictures as he was undergoing an operation .
“ The lifeline this hospice gives to the children and families on Teesside is invaluable .”
Adds Christine : “ When you have healthy children it touches your heart when you hear of those who are not so lucky and you want to do all you can to help .
“ By being involved in supporting this wonderful charity I feel like Cleveland Security has given something back to our community and to the customers who have supported us for all these years .”
Joan Stainsby , executive trustee of Zoe ’ s Place , said : “ It ’ s wonderful how the local family-run businesses in the area , many of whom are suffering as a result of the pandemic , have come together to help the hospice at this difficult time .
“ The people of Teesside have once again shown just how important it is to support everyone to get through these challenging times . Thank you are only two words but my goodness , this means so much to us .” clevelandsecurity . co . uk
122 | Tees Business