Sunderland housing company Gentoo has announced its two local charity partners for 2020.
The Doxford Park headquartered business will be supporting St Benedict’s Hospice and Action on Dementia Sunderland, after the two charities came out on top of a vote across Gentoo’s 1,200 employees.
Across the year employees will take part in a range of fundraising events and opportunities, including bespoke team challenges, to help raise money for the two Sunderland-based charities.
Gentoo decided to support the charities as part of its commitment to Wearside and its residents, ensuring funds raised by colleagues are deployed within the city.
Both St Benedict’s Hospice and Action for Dementia Sunderland will receive an equal share of money raised from fundraising activities across 2020.
Nigel Wilson, Gentoo Group chief executive officer, said: “Having a positive impact in Sunderland and the people who live here is really important to us, it’s fantastic that colleagues have chosen to support two deserving, local, charities who serve and support residents within the city.
“We’re delighted to partner with these charities who provide such valuable support to people when they really need it and I look forward to working alongside our staff to help raise money for two great causes.”
Ernie Thompson, Chair of Action on Dementia Sunderland, said: “We are a truly local charity that runs solely from public donations and fundraising, so we are extremely grateful to have been chosen by the employees at Gentoo to be one of their corporate charities for 2020.
“Without the support of people in Sunderland we would not be able to provide any of the care and support we do. We are excited to work with Gentoo to raise money to help ensure we can continue to support those in our local community who are affected by dementia.”
Lisa Peverley, Community Fundraiser for St Benedict’s Hospice, said: “We are extremely delighted that Gentoo has chosen the hospice as one of their corporate charities for 2020.
“St Benedict’s Hospice needs to continually raise funds year on year to ensure it can maintain and enhance its services so it is really important to us that we have the support of local people and communities. Having the support of a large local organisation like Gentoo for the coming year is really exciting.”