Fawley (26 November 2007) -- Sea Scouts in Eastleigh are cooking with new enthusiasm after taking delivery of new cooking equipment to use on camps.

The 13th Eastleigh Sea Scouts have bought the stoves and utensils with a £250 grant from Esso and ExxonMobil Chemical at Fawley, given in recognition of the time and effort one employee has put into volunteering with the group.

The money has been donated under a special scheme designed to recognise the efforts of ExxonMobil employees and their families who contribute their time, talent and energy to schools, charities and non-profit making organisations. The scheme not only helps local organisations, but also improves the links between ExxonMobil and the local community.

The grant applicant was Sue Saunders who works for Facilities Services as a business analyst at the refinery in Fawley. She became involved with the group through the interest of her children Lucy, a scout, and Harry a cub.

Sue said: “The Sea Scouts in Eastleigh work hard to offer a wide range of activities to young people in the area. The emphasis is on encouraging the youngsters to get out and about and enjoy spending time outdoors, both on and off the water. Having fun is of course an important part of belonging to the Scouting movement, but we are also trying to encourage youngsters to grow up to take a responsible role in society.”

The ExxonMobil Volunteer Involvement Programme at Fawley, together with its sister scheme for school governors, has so far contributed more than £300,000 to local community projects since it was started four years ago.