We are spreading Christmas cheer across Sunderland by delivering hundreds of Christmas dinners and more than 1000 gifts to families in the city, thanks to the generosity of our colleagues and partners.
Many families across the region have faced financial difficulty in the last few years due to the impact of the pandemic and now the cost of living crisis. This year’s donations are needed now more than ever and have been made possible thanks to the support from Sunderland City Council and our partners Bamford Doors, Bell Group, Esh Construction, Equans, Jewsons, RE:GEN, Tolent and Videx.
Our festive delivery initiative is now in its fifth year and grows larger every season. More than 180 Christmas dinners were hand delivered to those in financial difficulty, or who will be alone on Christmas Day across the City, which included turkey and all the trimmings, as well as dessert.
This year’s Christmas must-haves including Encanto figures, Barbie dolls, LEGO packages, scooters and cuddly toys are amongst the thousands of gifts delivered to families across the city before Christmas Day, for the many families who will be finding it difficult to afford presents for their children this Christmas.
Susie Thompson, Director of Housing at Gentoo Group, said:
“As always, I am extremely proud of my colleagues and partners who continue to show kindness and generosity year after year.
“To see more than 1000 Christmas gifts donated is outstanding. This year is an especially difficult time for families living through the cost-of-living crisis, so these small acts of kindness will make a big difference to the lives of both adults and children this Christmas time.
“On behalf of Gentoo, I would like to thank all our partners who made this year’s Christmas campaign possible, it’s because of their generosity thousands of people in Sunderland will be waking up on Christmas morning with gifts under the tree and a welcoming meal to enjoy.”
