Thanks to a partnership between Gentoo Group and the Foundation of Light, over 1000 of our customers enjoyed a free family fun day at the Beacon of Light.
The sold-out event was the first family fun day we have organised with The Beacon of Light. The event was a big success, with families enjoying a range of activities including outdoor sports games, football, bouncy castles, a dance party, baking and biscuit decorating and arts and crafts. Free food was provided and children also had the chance to meet and get their photo taken with SAFC’s favourite mascot, Samson the Cat.
Colleagues from our Housing, Repairs, Money Matters, Community Safety and Customer Voice teams were on hand to answer any customer queries and offer help and support.
We were also joined by the Fulwell School Clothing Scheme and partners to offer pre-loved uniform to families for free.
Gentoo customer Ronnie attended the Beacon of Light with his son and described the event as ‘a brilliant day’ with plenty of activities for his son and other children.
Chris Roberts, Director of Customer at Gentoo said: “We are delighted with the outcome of our recent family fun day. We’ve had some fantastic feedback from customers who enjoyed a day of fun, diverse activities with their children. We know the cost-of-living crisis is affecting many families across the North East, making summer holiday activities with the children an added financial pressure. We wanted to give families the opportunity to enjoy a fun day for people of all ages without having to worry about the cost.”
Lesley Spuhler, Chief Executive of The Foundation of Light said: “We are delighted to strengthen our long term partnership with Gentoo by hosting this family fun day. This is exactly what the Beacon was designed to do, bring all sectors of our communities together, to learn, try new things and leave with smiles on their faces.”
Customers who completed a survey on the day were entered into a draw to win a variety of prizes including vouchers, food hampers, SAFC merchandise and more, with thanks to a range of our contractors including RE:GEN, Jewson, Equans and Bell Group for donations. Winners will be contacted by Gentoo in the next few weeks.
