Sunderland-based children’s charity, Love, Amelia has been chosen as our corporate charity for 2024.
The charity, which launched in 2019, provides support to families experiencing poverty and hardship right across the North East. Love, Amelia accepts donations of pre-loved baby items in great condition and passes them on to those families in most need.
Since it was set up, the charity has distributed over 13,000 bundles to families in the region. It supports children from birth through to 16-years-old, striving to ensure no child goes without.
Gentoo’s support for Love, Amelia comes at a time when an alarming rise in child poverty across the North East has been highlighted. Figures released in a new report by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation show that 35% of children in Sunderland and across the region are now classed as living in poverty, which is notably higher than the national average of 29%.
Every year, Gentoo asks colleagues to nominate and vote on its charity partner for a 12-month period, with Love, Amelia chosen for 2024. It means the charity will now benefit from fundraising and support from Gentoo colleagues, who raised more than £10,000 for its chosen corporate charities last year.
Susan Fulton, Gentoo’s Executive Director of People, Culture and Engagement, said: “As a Sunderland- based housing association, it is so important that we invest in our local communities and support the amazing work of local charities such as Love, Amelia. We were saddened to hear the latest statistics on child poverty and the work Love, Amelia do is vital to support communities across the region who are struggling.
“I have no doubt that this year our colleagues will provide a huge amount of support to Love, Amelia, to help children and families who need it most in Wearside.”
Gentoo colleagues have already donated more than 100 gifts to Love, Amelia since choosing it as the charity partner for 2024.
Steph Capewell, Founder and Chief Executive of Love, Amelia, said: “I am delighted Love, Amelia has been chosen as Gentoo’s charity partner for 2024. This partnership is especially meaningful to us as we were selected by the employees of Gentoo, who have regularly sought our support for their customers who have needed a helping hand.
“We look forward to working together with Gentoo throughout the year, joining forces in fundraising initiatives and various activities. This collaboration is a wonderful opportunity and fantastic example of how partnerships can help improve the lives of babies and children in need. We sincerely thank Gentoo for choosing Love, Amelia and for their enthusiasm to make a positive impact in our community."
Alongside supporting Love, Amelia in 2024, Gentoo has a range of services to support their customers through hardship. You can find out more here
