ALDERLEY Edge-based telecoms and ICT company Chess has received a major award for its work in the community.

The business was presented with the Corporate Fundraisers Award at this year’s Cheshire Community Foundation (CCF) Awards for Excellence.

The award recognised the achievement of the company in setting up a Family Fund with CCF in the summer of 2017.

The company’s staff have raised thousands of pounds by undertaking several fundraising events, including a sponsored skydive.

The fund has already made a difference to the community by funding projects supporting people facing family or civil court proceedings without legal support and supporting leavers from the care system in Macclesfield.

Kate Wood, Director of Culture, accepted the Corporate Fundraisers Award on behalf of Chess.

The award was presented at the CCF Awards Lunch at The Academy, Cheshire College South and West in Crewe.

Zoe Sheppard, CEO of CCF, said: “Chess is a fantastic example of how a company can set up a fund with the support of CCF and make a real difference to lives in their immediate community.”

Cheshire Community Foundation (CCF) connects people who want to give back with the most effective grass-roots charities and not-for-profit organisations.

Zoe added: “Our annual awards are a highlight in the calendar and a chance for us to thank our charities and donors.

“We take managing our donors’ money extremely seriously and we know what a huge difference it makes to thousands of people.

“I’m proud that we have supported more than 68,000 people across the region over the past 12 months.

“We have also given out more than £3.2 million of grants to over 700 organisations since we launched seven years ago.”

If you are a donor keen to make a difference or a charity in need of support contact Cheshire Community Foundation on 01606 330 607 or email office@cheshirecommunityfoundation.org.uk

CCF currently has a major focus on tackling the widespread issue of mental health in young people having recently launched its Young Minds Matter campaign.