‘Exceptional’ team spirit

The team at Pontypool Delivery Office are continuing to delight customers on their rounds by dressing up each week to fundraise for local causes close to their hearts.

Colleagues in Pontypool began dressing up every Friday to do their rounds and raise money for causes such asthe Noddfa Church in Abersychan, which helps underprivileged families in the community, following a break-in two weeks ago.

Last week, the group raised more than £1,600 for Guide Dogs for the Blind by dressing as superheroes, cheerleaders, hot dogs, Snow White, and Goofy. Even a mayor was spotted delivering post to customers in Blaenavon and Griffithstown.

The idea came from new delivery office manager, Graham Wilkes, who said: ‘I wanted to boost morale by dressing up on Fridays to raise money for good causes.

‘Each week, the team vote on the cause. The first week it was Nodffa Church after the break-in when we raised £300. And the next week, it was Guide Dogs for the Blind. This week, it will be for St John’s Ambulance. We plan to do the dress-up every Friday during lockdown.’

One of the postmen who took part was Steve Zafirou who covers Griffithstown. He suggested Guide Dogs for the Blind as there are customers on his round who train guide dogs. Steve single-handedly raised £750 himself.

‘The amazing people of Griffithstown helped to raise so much and it is an honour to deliver to them,’ said Steve. ‘I think the guide dogs get overlooked.’

Graham said he hopes the initiative continues to bring a smile to the faces of customers each week. ‘I’m really proud of the team that I have inherited in the past few weeks here at Pontypool,’ he said.

‘Despite all the recent struggles that coronavirus has brought to the team here and their families, they have taken the time to go above and beyond and raise much needed funds for local charities.

‘The team spirit they have displayed is nothing short of exceptional.’