Gentoo teams up with St Benedict’s and Action on Dementia

Following a vote by the association’s 1,200 employees, the chosen charities are St Benedict’s Hospice and Action on Dementia Sunderland. Both are locally based.

Gentoo employees will participate in a range of fundraising events, with money shared equally between the two.

The Ryhope hospice offers care, advice and support for patients with life-limiting illnesses, as well as their families. It holds numerous fundraisers and has six charity shops across Sunderland, run by volunteers.

Action on Dementia Sunderland was formed in 2010 to improve the quality of life for people with dementia, their families and carers.

Lisa Peverley, community fundraiser for St Benedict’s, said: “We are extremely delighted that Gentoo has chosen the hospice as one of their corporate charities for 2020.

“St Benedict’s Hospice needs to continually raise funds year on year to ensure it can maintain and enhance its services. So it is really important to us that we have the support of local people and communities.

“Having the support of a large local organisation like Gentoo for the coming year is really exciting.”

Ernie Thompson, chair of Action on Dementia Sunderland, said: “We are a truly local charity that runs solely from public donations and fundraising. So we are extremely grateful to have been chosen by the employees at Gentoo to be one of their corporate charities for 2020.

“Without the support of people in Sunderland we would not be able to provide any of the care and support we do. We are excited to work with Gentoo to raise money, to help ensure we can continue to support those in our local community who are affected by dementia.”

Nigel Wilson, Gentoo Group Chief Executive Officer, said: “Having a positive impact in Sunderland and the people who live here is really important to us.

“It’s fantastic that colleagues have chosen to support two deserving, local, charities who serve and support residents within the city.

“We’re delighted to partner with these charities, who provide such valuable support to people when they really need it. I look forward to working alongside our staff to help raise money for two great causes.”