Staff roll up their sleeves at food bank
Staff from the Gentoo Group have been putting their enforced absence to good use by volunteering at Sunderland Foodbank.
The Sunderland-based housing association is supporting the food bank during the COVID-19 pandemic, with various colleagues volunteering each day to help keep the vital service running for tenants and residents most in need across the city.
Gentoo staff also made a £283 cash donation to the food bank from their own pockets. This will go towards essential supplies for the most financially vulnerable.
The staff also gave bags and boxes of food, which was collected in their offices and depots located across the city.
Working safely and within the Government’s coronavirus rules and guidelines, they have been rolling up their sleeves, fetching and carrying the supplies, sorting out donations and even giving the food bank a spring clean.
The Gentoo staff were under no obligation to help out at the food bank, which is based in the Fusebox building in Coronation Street, Hendon. But they want to ensure that the less well-off remain as resilient as anyone throughout the pandemic.
The organisation has also allowed the use of its fleet of vans to deliver the essential goods.
Gentoo’s chief executive officer, Nigel Wilson, who visited the food bank and mucked in, said: “We’re committed to supporting tenants and residents across Sunderland and ensuring our communities stay resilient during these challenging times.
“The spirit and togetherness of people across the city is unquestionable and it’s fantastic to see everyone working together where possible to help those most in need.
“We’ll continue to support the food bank and Sunderland City Council to ensure these residents get the food and supplies they need over coming days and weeks.”
Sunderland Foodbank coordinator, Jo Gordon, said: “The support we’ve had from Gentoo has been fantastic and it’s great to have their teams of volunteers helping us on a daily basis.”
To donate, visit the Sunderland Foodbank website.