09 February 2010 15:34
Wembley beckons for Kent schoolboy after inspiring family and friends to make great energy saves
Sam Webb from Herne Bay in Kent has today been rewarded with an unforgettable FA Cup experience after encouraging his family and neighbours to undertake a series of energy saving measures, as part of E.ON's Power Savers initiative.
Launched in January, Power Savers forms part of the energy company's Great Saves campaign - a project aimed at rewarding families up and down the country for making great energy saves in the home, as well as recognising the great saves made on the pitch by championing the unsung heroes of the game - the keepers.
Thousands of primary schools have been invited to take part in Power Savers by offering a series of lesson plans as well as an Energy Saving Diary, which allows children to chart how many different energy saving tactics they complete with their family at home.
Affectionately known as their resident "energy marshal", the seven year old embarked on his own personal crusade to show his family how they can make some simple changes in how they view and consume energy around the home. Not only did the youngster complete his weekly Energy Saving Diary, he also persuaded his family to look at how often the dishwasher was being used before switching it off and washing up by hand. He even pestered his younger brother, Owen, to switch the lights off when he leaves a room and turn off his games console once he's finished. Not content with changing attitudes at home, Sam then set off to do the same with his neighbours.
In being crowned E.ON's first Power Saver, Sam was centre of attention at his school as one of football's most prestigious pieces of silverware - The FA Cup - made a visit to Briary Primary School. There was also a special appearance from Southend United first team goalkeeper, Steve Mildenhall and his school received £500 worth of football equipment.
But that's not all. By making these energy saves at home, the Manchester United fan will now be taking some great steps at Wembley when he leads out the teams at The FA Cup Final in May as a player mascot.
Steve Webb, Sam's father, said "For a seven year old, Sam is very much aware of how we use energy around the home and once he'd finished his Energy Saving Diary, there was no stopping him. He was like a little energy marshal as he tried to get the whole street to get involved! When we were told what Sam had won for himself and his school, we literally had to peel him of the ceiling. He's so very excited!"
Mr Ben Cooper, Headteacher at Briary Primary School, said, "I think E.ON's Power Savers activity is a fantastic way to encourage energy-saving amongst children. We are already a very eco friendly school with Green Flag status and we encourage all our pupils to be conscious of the environment, and I'm thrilled for Sam and he can look forward to a very special day out at Wembley."
Phil Boas, Head of Sponsorship, E.ON UK, said: "A big congratulations to Sam for becoming one of E.ON's top Power Savers. It is fantastic to see so many children making energy saving part of their everyday life, and by offering unique experiences through our Great Saves campaign we're able to make saving energy popular. In some ways, by going green, I hope Sam is the envy of all his school mates."
By logging on to eongreatsaves.com, fans can see how E.ON have been rewarding unsung heroes and nominate their own to win tickets to The FA Cup Final, pick up top tips from campaign ambassador David James and watch him make great saves - blindfolded, as well as find out more information on all Great Saves activities and events and share and learn energy saving tactics.
Notes to editors
Great Saves Campaign:
This season, E.ON is giving customers as well as football fans and their families, the chance to get to Wembley in the flick of a switch. As part of its new Great Saves campaign, the energy company is rewarding customers and fans with exclusive football experiences, such as a family VIP trip to The FA Cup 2010 Final, in return for making great energy saves around the home.
About E.ON:
E.ON is Sponsor of The FA Cup, The FA Women's Cup, The FA Youth Cup and is The FA Schools Partner. E.ON became the sponsor in the 2006/07. season for 4 years until 2010. E.ON is now in the final season of sponsorship. In addition, E.ON is also Official Energy Partner to The Football League.
E.ON is one of the UK's leading power and gas companies - generating and distributing electricity, and retailing power and gas - and is part of the E.ON Group, one of the world's largest investor-owned power and gas company. E.ON employ around 16,000 people in the UK.
E.ON's green development portfolio could power over a million homes and displace the emission of almost two million tonnes of carbon dioxide a year by building new onshore and offshore wind farms, biomass power stations, and tidal stream and wave power schemes. E.ON Group aims to spend 8bn Euros between 2007 and 2011 on renewable generation and climate protection activities.
For more information please contact:
Kassi Denman, Senior Account Manager, brandRapport,
kdenman@brand-rapport.com, Tel: 07917 137 798
Simon Breakell, Sponsorship PR Manager, E.ON
simon.breakell@eonenergy.com Tel: 07702 668 400