More than 2,500 famlies in Sunderland will benefit from an Easter gift this weekend thanks to the generosity of local businesses and their employees.
The Easter egg appeal, which is coordinated by ourselves alongside our contracting partners, has seen the largest donation of eggs ever. We appealed to our employees and contractors to donate Easter eggs so that they could be redistributed to families in Wearside.
Donations for 2021 have been sent to families who are struggling to afford eggs for children and those who are isolating alone, as well as a number of local charities and voluntary and community groups including Sunderland Foodbank, Together for Children, Grace House, More Than Grandparents and a range of homelessness services operating in the city.
The appeal is a collective effort from ours and Gentoo Home's employees, as well as generous donations from our contractors Engie, Bell Group, Tolent and Kier. The organisations hope that this small guesture can help spread joy and raise the spirts of the local community as Government coronavirus restrictions begin to ease.
Nigel Wilson, Chief Executive Officer at Gentoo, said: “The number of Easter Eggs collected for this year’s appeal is astounding. On behalf of Gentoo, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our contractors and colleagues who donated and supported our appeal to make it our biggest Easter egg appeal to date.“It’s been a difficult year for many, and I simply hope that this small act is able to bring a smile to the faces of adults and children across Sunderland this Easter time”
Melanie Nichols, CEO at More than Grandparents, said: “We are so grateful to Gentoo and all who donated Easter eggs which will go to vulnerable kinship children in Sunderland. Many kinship families have been struggling throughout the pandemic with many having little prospect of a visit from the Easter bunny. Gentoo has now made this possible.”
Ray Knox, Chairman at Grindon Young People’s Centre, said: “Your donation of Easter eggs is amazing and much appreciated. It will go a long way, targeting underprivileged families, children’s wards in local hospitals and local women’s refuges.”
