The children of military veterans in Sunderland will enjoy an early Christmas treat thanks to one of the city’s leading law firms.
Last week (20 November) Sunderland BID launched an appeal for 600 chocolate-filled advent calendars for the Sunderland Foodbank and charity Veterans in Crisis.
And Frederick Street law firm Richard Reed was quick to respond – by donating 100 calendars.
These will now go to Sunderland Veterans in Crisis, which supports ex-servicemen and women dealing with problems such as financial hardship and mental health issues, who will ensure they reach the children in time for the first door to be opened, on 1 December.
“As a long established Sunderland based law firm we’re used to helping those in our community when it comes to their legal needs but we feel it’s equally important for us to help in other ways, too,” said Sarah Reid, managing director of Richard Reed Solicitors.
“We regularly do this via support of our local charities, so when we heard about the appeal from Sunderland BID around helping Veterans in Crisis to provide a better Christmas for our ex-service men, women and their families, we gladly purchased the 100 advent calendars they needed.
“Veterans in Crisis is a great cause that works the whole year round to ensure our veterans in need and their families are looked after and we’re truly privileged to be able to support their efforts.”
“We can’t thank the team at Richard Reed enough,” said the BID’s Head of Business Operations, Sharon Appleby.
“Within hours of launching our appeal they got in touch and said they would provide100 calendars and the charity and I are so grateful – not only for their generosity, but for the speed and decisiveness with which they acted.
“That’s the true spirit of Christmas and their gesture will mean a very great deal to children across the city.”
Now, with only days to go until the start of December, the BID is hoping others will follow Richard Reed’s lead and help other children who may not otherwise receive an advent calendar.
“Ideally, we would like to hit the target of 600 calendars– just to make sure that no youngster in the city misses out on what is one of the most simple – yet magical – of Christmas traditions.
“There are only a few days left so I really hope the city’s residents and businesses dig deep and help us out.”
Anyone who would like to donate an advent calendar should drop it off at the BID office at Sunderland Software Centre, Tavistock Place, Sunderland.