We kicked off the school holidays in style by welcoming more than 2,000 customers to the Beacon of Light for its spectacular free festive fun day, creating unforgettable memories for families across Sunderland.
The event was packed with activities, including sports challenges, arts and crafts, and a magical visit to Santa’s Grotto, where every child received a gift. Guests enjoyed free food and refreshments, ensuring everyone could relax and refuel while taking part in the festivities.
Thanks to the generosity of our colleagues and contractors, winter clothing was available for customers to take home, helping families stay warm this season. Partners such as RE:GEN Academy, Sunderland City Council, Barclays, HALO and SARA were on hand to offer advice, while our colleagues supported customers with tenancy and repair queries throughout the day. Entertainment was provided by Sunderland Culture, adding to the festive atmosphere.
To make the day even more magical, Santa and Mrs Claus were Gentoo colleagues in disguise, showing just how far the team will go to make the event special. One delighted customer said it was “the best Santa they had seen this year.”
Louise Bassett, Chief Executive Officer at Gentoo, commented: “Our fun days are all about creating joy and offering support. Seeing thousands of customers enjoying themselves and accessing help they need is what community is all about.
“We hope our Your Gentoo Christmas campaign has eased some of the burden for families this year, but we know there are many out there still struggling. Please speak to us so we can make sure you are getting the right support, we're here to help.”
The event was made possible thanks to the support of Esh Construction, who proudly sponsored Santa’s Grotto, and generous contributions from The Foundation of Light, RE:GEN Group, RNJ Partnerships and Workday.
This hugely successful day reinforces our commitment to supporting customers and ensuring families can make lasting memories without financial worry.
