Colleagues raise £2,550 for Birmingham hospitals in dragon boat race

A team of Amazon employees from Sutton Coldfield has raised more than £2,550 for Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust after taking part in an annual charity dragon boat race.

Fifteen workers from the company’s Sutton Coldfield fulfilment centre joined the city’s Dragon Boat Charity Race, which supports Birmingham Women’s and Birmingham Children’s NHS Foundation Trust.

Their efforts on the water raised more than £2,550 for the trust, which provides specialist women’s and children’s healthcare to more than half a million people across Birmingham.

Lisa Swan, general manager at Amazon in Sutton Coldfield, said: “Our teams showed real determination and teamwork on the water, and it’s great to know that all of that effort has translated into a meaningful donation.

“Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital does incredible work, and we’re pleased to play a small part in supporting it.”

Amazon employee Jamal Qurban, who took part in the race, said the team had enjoyed the experience.

He said: “It was such a great day! We had a lot of laughs, and even though paddling was harder than it looked, it was worth it knowing the money raised would support the hospital. I’m really proud of everyone on the team.”

Amazon also supports community organisations through a number of other initiatives, including the West Midlands Multibank, which works with Birmingham Voluntary Service Council to distribute surplus goods to families in need.

The company also runs education programmes and a logistics scheme to help community organisations transport meals and other essentials.