Key workers and NHS get free pizza in the North East

A Sunderland takeaway which has been part of the community for 30 years is on target to gift 5000 free pizzas to key workers.
Key workers and NHS staff have been enjoying free pizzaKey workers and NHS staff have been enjoying free pizza
Key workers and NHS staff have been enjoying free pizza

Pizza Uno, at 52-54 St Luke’s Terrace, has been delivering free tasty treats to hospitals, fire stations and GP surgeries from week one of lockdown.

They also have a poster in the window saying that any NHS or key worker can enjoy a free pizza on them at any time.

For owner Mohsen Hussein it was important to do something for the community: “We felt it was really important to help people keep their spirits up. We owe so much to the NHS and other key workers, they are working so hard for us all during lockdown, and we wanted to do our bit.

And it's not just medics who are being treatedAnd it's not just medics who are being treated
And it's not just medics who are being treated

“It’s our way of saying thank you to them for all the hard work they are doing. We’re going to continue doing it for as long as it is necessary.”

Already the firm has donated 4800 pizzas and is on target to make it to 5000 this week; often they are delivered to places like Sunderland Royal during the clap for carers on a Thursday night, but that’s not been all.

Mohsen said: “We’ve been to GP practices, fire stations, ambulances stations and given to the police. The key workers are really important to the whole community in Sunderland, we just wanted to help.

“We’ve got a poster in the window; any key worker, NHS or emergency services, can have a free pizza on us.

Pizza Uno Sunderland also supports local teamsPizza Uno Sunderland also supports local teams
Pizza Uno Sunderland also supports local teams

“The reaction has been very positive when myself and my colleagues have delivered them out. People are saying they are very much appreciated, and you can see how happy they are – their faces say it all.

It’s not the only community project Pizza Uno is involved with. The firm sponsors adult football team RCA, and has two children’s teams Sunderland Uno under 15s and Under 11s, who not only wear the Pizza colours with pride, they also get gifted free pizza on match days. They also sponsor Sunderland AFC’s under 23 and under 21 home games, with free pizzas.

He added: “We’ve been in Sunderland for 30 years and the community has been very good to us. I’d like to thank all of our customers who have in turn supported us and have continued to order our pizzas during lockdown. All the team at Pizza Uno Sunderland are very grateful.”

Find out more at www.pizzauno.co.uk or follow the Sunderland branch on Facebook @Pizza.Uno.Sunderland