Thousands raised for two worthy causes
Employees of Sunderland-based housing association Gentoo Group have r a i s e d £ 1 7, 0 0 0 f o r t h e i r two corporate charities during 2020.
Despite being under Covid-19 restrictions for most of the year, the workforce has rallied together to raise muchneeded funds for Action on
Dementia Sunderland and St Benedict’s Hospice.
The two charities, which are both based in Sunderland and spend 100% of their funds in the city, were selected as Gentoo’s corporate charities for 2020 by the group’s employees themselves following a vote across the organisation.
The employees managed to raise such a significant amount of money by running various Covid-safe fund-raising activities across its offices and depots throughout the year, including raffles and bonus ball competitions, as well as setting up a popular payroll deduction scheme.
NigelWilson,GentooGroup chief executive, said: “I am so proud of what colleagues have achievedduringsuchadifficult year for everyone, but particularly for charities and fundraising.
“These two charities were voted for by colleagues and we’re aware of the vital role they both play in Sunderland by providing important services to local residents.”
Ernie Thompson, chairman of Action on Dementia Sunderland, said: “We cannot thank Gentoo enough for its support and generosity. These vital funds will help us to keep the charity running.”
Lisa Finnon, community fund-raiser at St Benedict’s Hospice, said: “We are overwhelmed by the generosity of Gentoo and its employees. The money raised will support the hospice in continuing to deliver vital care to local residents.”