Just over one year ago Mersey Maritime pledged to raise £20,000 for The Hive Youth Zone in Wirral and now reveals it has smashed that target by some distance. Tony McDonough reports

Industry cluster organisation Mersey Maritime has smashed its pledge to raise £20,000 for The Hive Youth Zone in Wirral.

Just over a year ago Mersey Maritime, the voice of Liverpool city region’s £5bn maritime sector, pledged to raise £20,000 for The Hive as part of its 20-year anniversary celebrations. Now it has revealed it has actually raised £43,000.

Located in Birkenhead, The Hive is a purpose-built centre for young people, offering a safe haven and a vibrant hub of activities for some of the region’s most vulnerable youngsters.

During the Mersey Maritime Industry Awards 2023, hosted by Olympic hockey gold medallist, Sam Quek, 10 companies were invited to pledge £1,000 each towards the fundraising initiative to help the Hive provide hot meals throughout winter.

However, the total raised on the night surpassed all expectations equating to £34,000 which included company, personal and anonymous donations. Over the last year, that brings the total raised by Mersey Maritime and its members to £43,700.

The following companies made significant contributions to this commendable fundraising effort:

• Bibby Line Group
• Cammell Laird
• CMA CGM
• D Morgan
• Denholm Logistics Group
• Hill Dickinson
• Hughes Subsea
• Kays Medical
• Maersk
• Marine Metallurgical Consultants
• Maritime Transport
• Nautilus International
• Peel Ports Group
• Port of London Authority
• The SeaKing Group
• Walker Engineering

Ruth Wood, chief executive of Mersey Maritime, said: “This outstanding achievement reflects the remarkable generosity of our maritime community and its commitment to supporting the well-being of the youth in our region.

“The funds raised will undoubtedly make a positive impact on the initiatives undertaken by The Hive Youth Zone, which does an incredible job of supporting our local young people.

“As an organisation deeply rooted in the maritime sector, we understand the importance of fostering community growth and investing in the future.

“The collaboration and dedication shown by our member companies in this fundraising endeavour demonstrates our mission that we are stronger together.”

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Catherine Sandow, head of fundraising at The Hive, added: “We extend our heartfelt thanks to Mersey Maritime for their invaluable support. This contribution ensures our ongoing ability to stand by the thousands of young people who rely on us.

“Latest statistics show that just under 4m children are living in poverty across the UK, and now with the cost-of-living crisis we are starting to see the devastating effect this is having on local families.

“We are here to assist young people, irrespective of their circumstances, providing a space for them to simply enjoy, feel included, and elevate their aspirations in a secure environment.”