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The Sunderland-based housing association is supporting the foodbank 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 foodbank 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.

Gentoo's community partnership coordinator Angela Sinclair, left, gives a helping hand to Sunderland Foodbank coordinators Tommy Mellefont, centre and Jo Gordon.

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 foodbank a spring clean.

The Gentoo staff were under no obligation to help out at the foodbank, 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 foodbank and mucked in, said: “We’re committed to supporting tenants and residents across Sunderland and ensuring our communities stay resilient during these challenging times.

Sunderland Foodbank is relying on volunteers and donations as much as ever. Picture by Stu Norton.

“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 foodbank 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.

“With their support we have been able to make sure that everything still functions at our foodstore and eight distribution points across the city.”

Anyone wishing to donate money or food should visit the Sunderland Foodbank website.

Gentoo staff give their support to Sunderland Foodbank