Fawley (14 July 2008) -- A social club for adults with learning difficulties has bought two new snooker tables, thanks to the long-term involvement of two of its volunteers.

The Gateway Club, which offers sports, games and arts and crafts to its 45 members on a fortnightly basis, received a £500 grant from Esso and ExxonMobil Chemical at Fawley in recognition of the time and effort two employees have 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 Nigel Cooper who works as a process co-ordinator at the refinery in Fawley. He drives the mini-bus which brings members of the club and their carers to each meeting at Oak Lodge School in Dibden Purlieu. The club leader is also an ExxonMobil employee, Paul Collis, who is a process operations supervisor at the refinery cat plant.

Nigel said: “Year on year the cost of running the club rises. This grant has enabled us to buy something really worthwhile for the club members to enjoy. The tables are already being well used.”

The ExxonMobil Volunteer Involvement Programme at Fawley, together with its sister scheme for school governors, has so far contributed £350,000 to local community projects since it was started five years ago.