Wearside Women in Need and Fans Museum among groups sharing £27,000 donation

The money comes from Empower Sunderland Community Fund, which was set up by Empower and housing association Gentoo.

Empower Sunderland Community Fund is a pot of money generated for solar panels to be fitted on the roofs of properties across Sunderland.

It usually issues grants to support local organisations with sustainability and projects promoting low-energy use.

However, with many local community groups struggling for funds during the coronavirus crisis, they are now donating to local groups who are specifically delivering frontline support to vulnerable residents.

The funds have been given to organisations including Wearside Women in Need, who received the largest share of £5,000.

The other 11, including the Fans Museum, Veterans in Crisis and Easington Lane Community Access Point, each received £2,000.

Becky Rogerson, director of Wearside Women in Need said: “We thank Empower Sunderland Community Fund for helping us to tackle the worrying trend in domestic abuse statistics during this difficult period.

“Our services have never been under such pressure.”

Michael Ganley, founder of Fans Museum said: “To receive these much-needed funds was a complete surprise, one we truly appreciate and will ensure they are used to their full potential, helping us maintain a daily outreach delivery service for the elderly.”

Nigel Wilson, chief executive officer at Gentoo said: “Sunderland is a brilliant city and during the hardest times of this pandemic, these community groups and organisations have shown the true heart of Wearside, by continuing to provide vital services and support to tenants and residents across the city.”

Alex Grayson, trustee of Empower Community Foundation said: “While the current national situation is extremely challenging, it’s been inspiring to see how community groups and organisation in Sunderland have adapted and stepped up to support the residents of Wearside when they need it the most.”

Other organisations benefiting are Youth Almighty, Shiney Row Advice and Resource Project, Wear Fishing and CHANCE,Sunderland North Community Business Centre, More than Grandparents, Washington Foodbank, Hetton New Dawn Foodbank and Sunderland Foodbank.

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