We have worked with Jewson Partnership Solutions and our partners to carry out vital building work that has enabled the expansion of local charity Love, Amelia that supports babies, children, and families across the North East.
During a visit to the charity, Founder and Chief Executive of Love, Amelia, Steph expressed the need for the charity to expand into the unit next door they had recently acquired to Gentoo’s Chief Executive, Louise.
Following the visit, Gentoo’s Chief Executive, Louise, personally returned to the office to ask the Property Maintenance Team to get involved in a voluntary building project for Love, Amelia. Inspired by the charity’s mission to support families across the North East, Louise’s direct appeal was met with a positive response with many trade colleagues keen to get involved with the project. To ensure the charity could still meet the needs of its users, all building work was completed on a weekend over a period of 9 weeks.
This project saw colleagues from both Gentoo and our partners volunteering their own time over a weekend to complete the building work, helping to transform the charity’s space and increase its capacity to support families in need. The initiative was made possible through generous contributions from Gentoo’s supplier network, who provided materials, expertise, and hands-on support.
The expansion has allowed Love, Amelia to improve and increase much needed storage facilities, create meeting rooms and confidential spaces for families being supported by the charity.
The project would not have been possible without the support from our partners who provided materials free of charge: Jewson Partnership Solutions, 0800 Repairs, Esh Construction, Equans, Safety First, Brewers, Isoler and Ask4Glass.
Image caption: Gentoo and key partners who carried out the work
Louise Bassett, Chief Executive Officer at Gentoo said: "This project is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when people come together with a shared purpose. Our colleagues gave up their own time to make a real difference, and we’re incredibly grateful to our partners for their support. Love, Amelia does vital work in our community, and we’re proud to help them grow.
“The expansion will allow Love, Amelia to store and distribute more essential items, including clothing, baby equipment, and toys, to families experiencing hardship. The charity has seen a significant rise in demand and now has the space and infrastructure to respond more effectively.
“Gentoo remains committed to supporting local causes and will continue to work with partners to create lasting, positive change in the community.”
Steph Capewell, Founder and Chief Executive at Love, Amelia said:
“We are incredibly grateful to Gentoo, Jewson Partnership Solutions, and all of the partners who made this expansion possible.
“This project is an excellent example of the social value that can be created when organisations come together with a shared purpose. The generosity of those who not only provided materials but also gave their own time outside of working hours has been remarkable. Their commitment has transformed our space at a critical time, giving us the storage and private space for families and partners we urgently needed.
“With demand for our services continuing to rise, this expansion strengthens our ability to support children and families across the North East and would not have been possible without these partnerships.”
Paul Lee, Regional Partnerships Director at Jewson Partnership Solutions said:
"Jewson Partnership Solutions is proud to have played a part in this transformative building project. By sourcing and funding the materials, we helped make the much-needed expansion a reality, creating space for Love, Amelia to continue their incredible work supporting families in need.
“Over the past 18 months, it’s been a privilege to stand alongside the charity through various fundraising campaigns.
“This partnership reflects our deep commitment to strengthening local communities and helping vital organisations grow their reach and impact."
For more information about Love, Amelia and the support they provide visit, Love, Amelia – Helping children in need
