£75k present to residents
Council bosses in Sunderland have given a Christmas boost to some of the most vulnerable people in the city.
Working with the voluntary and community sector (VCS), the council has allocated almost £75,000 to its #community christmas project to fund more than 40 projects across the city in the run-up to the big day.
The cash will fund virtual Santa sessions for children and families and see Christmas dinners delivered.
Cllr Linda Williams, cabinet member for vibrant city, said: "This is all about bringing a bit of Christmas spirit to some of the most vulnerable in our communities.
"This year has been such a tough one for everyone and we have come across so many residents feeling isolated and lonely during the Covid pandemic. So we're hoping these projects will help bring a funfilled community Christmas to families old and young, vulnerable and isolated residents, people living on their own and to older people by providing activities, online events and hampers full of goodies.
"This builds on the work we have been doing throughout the pandemic to support our most vulnerable residents.
"We know that loneliness and isolation has been a real issue for some and I’m delighted to say our partners in the voluntary and community sector have once again stepped up and come up with a fantastic range of projects which will help make such a difference the people we're helping across our communities this Christmas."
Full details of all the projects under the #communitychristmas will be on the council's website from midDecember.