Families living in Farringdon enjoyed a day of fun activities thanks to a partnership between Gentoo, Sunderland City Council and a number of local partners.
More than 200 residents attended The Big Lunch at Farringdon Youth and Community Centre and took part in fun activities such as riding in a fire appliance, meeting Northumbria Police officers, glitter face paints, adopting a teddy, colouring and building.
Attendees had the opportunity to plant fruit and vegetables in a planter to take home with them, as well as sunflower seeds as part of our ‘Grow the tallest sunflower’ competition.
Families also got the chance to learn more about the environment and how to be more sustainable from our Asset Sustainability Team and Sunderland City Council’s Low Carbon Team.
Thankfully the sun was shining on the day as attendees were also treated to a free ice cream.
Chris Roberts, Director of Customer, said: ‘As an organisation we’re committed to having a positive impact on our local communities and it’s brilliant that we can create these opportunities to engage with our customers as well as providing fun, and educational activities.
“A huge thank you to our partners who helped put on a great day for our customers, it was great to see so many smiling faces.”
Colleagues from our Housing, Repairs, Wellbeing, Community Safety and Customer Voice Teams were in attendance for any customers who needed support.
A food van was also offering hot sandwiches for a small donation with all proceeds being donated to our corporate charity, Love, Amelia.
BAM Construction, who are building the brand-new school building at Farringdon Community Academy, supported the event by providing snacks and a donation to the community group. Colleagues were also on hand to showcase plans for the new school building.
Children and volunteers from Youth Almighty Project helped promote the event by creating signs and posters as well as organising a tombola and other fun activities on the day.
The Big Lunch is the UK’s annual get-together for neighbours and communities, with millions of people coming together for a few hours of friendship, food and fun.
Lindsey Brummitt MVO, Programme Director, Eden Project, said: “Whatever the weather, people have come out to share a bite to eat and get to know each other better, with many inspired to be part of the greenest Big Lunch yet. As well as getting together to share friendship, food and fun, it’s brilliant that more people are taking planet positive action!”
The successful event was a partnership between Gentoo, Sunderland City Council, Youth Almighty Project, Farringdon Youth and Community Centre, Northumbria Police, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, Love, Amelia and BAM Construction.
