We’ve supported 480 children across Sunderland with school uniforms and essential school items, helping families prepare for the new academic year and giving children what they need to start school with confidence.
Children received a range of essential items, including school uniforms and shoes, as well as backpacks containing school supplies such as notebooks, pens and water bottles.
The campaign was made possible thanks to the generous support of our partners, including RE:GEN Group, Jewson Partnership Solutions, Love Amelia, PHS, ABCA Systems and MRI, who worked alongside our teams to support local families.
Gentoo colleagues from across the business referred families for support, helping us reach those who needed it most. Colleagues also volunteered their time to pack and distribute uniform bags, helping the campaign run smoothly and ensuring as many families as possible could benefit.
Uniforms and other items were distributed at Together for Children in Washington and the Mackem Community event at Sunderland City Hall in September. Any remaining items were donated to community organisations so they could continue supporting families throughout the year.
Making a difference to families
Feedback from families shows the positive difference the support made:
- More than 90% said it made school uniforms more affordable.
- 86% said the kit significantly helped their family.
- More than 40% said it helped their child feel ready for school.
- 34% said it reduced worries about attending school.
- 94% would like to see the project return next year.
Chris Roberts, Director of Customer at Gentoo, said:
"We know that the start of a new school year can place significant financial pressure on many families, particularly against the backdrop of continued cost-of-living challenges.
"This initiative was about more than providing uniforms and school supplies. It was about helping children feel confident, comfortable and ready to learn from day one, while easing some of the financial burden on parents and carers.
"We're incredibly grateful to our partners and to our colleagues who made the initiative a success. Their generosity and commitment have helped make a real difference to hundreds of children and families in Sunderland."
Simon Watson, Regional Operations Director for RE:GEN North East, said:
“We pride ourselves on being active partners, building relationships that go beyond the delivery of construction works. It’s about taking the time to really understand our partners, their customers and the communities they serve, identifying where we can do more and making sure we’re having the greatest possible impact.
“Working with Gentoo, this initiative is a great example of how we can go beyond our day-to-day delivery and work together to make a meaningful difference to local families."
The initiative forms part of our ongoing commitment to tackling child poverty and supporting customers and communities, helping families access practical support when they need it most and ensuring children are equipped to succeed both in and outside the classroom.
