Give it up - for charity!

It's that feel-good  time of year, when it's all about giving. So we've decided to take a look at the latest charitable efforts of chaps and chapesses in the bathroom and kitchen industry. Good work all round!

Head of training at Whirlpool UK, Ray Istead joined a team of 39 colleagues from Europe to build houses in Romania for Habitat for Humanity. The organisation donates products and provides manpower to support building projects and Whirlpool has helped around 10,000 familes and more than 500 of its employees have volunteered and participated in the house building projects. Ray Isted said: "It was an amazing trip. Being able to put something back, and to help others not as lucky as ourselves, by contributing to building a house that takes someone out of poverty is just awesome."

Moores product manager Greg Smith joined  a team from Miller Homes Yorkshire, for a 'Pedal for Pounds' sponsored bike aid in aid of Yorkshire Cancer Research. The team, led by commerical manager for Miller Homes Yorkshire David Pearson, covered 48 miles of tough terrain around Doncaster. Greg Smith said: "When David asked me to join the team, taking part in the event I was happy to accept the offer, thinking of it contributing to a worthwhile charity...I have to say that the weather conditions on the day were truly atrociousm. We all did out bit and battled on successfully to complete the ride."

Greg's personal total stands at £300, if you want to add to this, click on his Just Giving sponsorship page.

Jo Wills, sales office manager at worktop manufacturer Bushboard, recently completed a gruelling trek along the Great Wall of China to raise funds for Marie Curie. The trek covered 80 miles, took eight days and Jo Wills raised a total of £3,575. She said: "It's hard to find the words to describe such an amazing trip. The scenery was beautiful but the challenge itself was very physical, emotional and exhilarating. It's probably one of the best things I have done and it was even more rewarding because I was raising funds for such a deserving charity that gives so much to others."

Twyford Bathrooms raised £500 for local charity the Donna Louise Trust by raffling off a Stoke City signed football and shirt. The 'Potters' players visited Twyford Bathrooms in recognitition of the company's on-going support of the club and were presented a cheque by managing director Mike Conlan. Twyford Bathrooms recently supplied sanitaryware for the club's state-of-the-art training centre at Clayton Wood, which represents a commitment to sport for the local community.