New Mayor of Sunderland announces the chosen charities he will support over the coming year
The new Mayor of Sunderland has confirmed his fundraising charities for the coming year.
Every year, Sunderland’s mayor chooses charities that will benefit from mayoral fundraising and donations.
Councillor Robert Hutchinson, who was appointed to the civic role in May, has announced three charities for the 2026/27 council year.
These include Veterans in Crisis, animal rescue charity Pawz for Thought and Sunderland Headlights, a mental health charity.
Outgoing Mayor of Sunderland councillor Ehthesham Haque’s charities were Hopespring and Love Amelia, which both focused on supporting children, young people and families in need.
Around £26,000 was raised over Cllr Haque’s mayoral year.
Speaking about his chosen mayoral charities, Cllr Hutchinson outlined the reasons for choosing each organisation.
On Veterans in Crisis, he said: “Like many, many families in our city and indeed across the region and country, there is a tradition of service for King, Queen and country.
“An uncle of mine, on my mother’s side of the family, Albert Blackett, a petty officer, was killed in the Second World War serving in the Royal Navy onboard his submarine. This was in the Mediterranean in 1940.
“Other uncles and relatives of mine also served with distinction and I and many others hold all veterans of service close to our hearts and it’s an honour as mayor to be able to help and assist with fundraising and awareness.”
On his other two chosen charities, Cllr Hutchinson continued: “At home, I have over the years had contact with local animal charity Pawz for Thought and they’ve helped assist with injured wildlife that I’ve come across in my garden.
“They’ve been good responders in my contacts with them and, again, I hope I can help raise their profile and assist with fundraising for them over this next mayoral year.
“For mental health charity Sunderland Headlight, my mother was a mental health nurse and worked in the old Willows Ward at Cherry Knowle Hospital.
“Again, a cause close to my heart and a charity that offers information and support for all aspects of mental health and works closely with assigned professionals.”
The Reform UK councillor for Farringdon and Silksworth will be supported by Tunstall and Humbledon Reform UK councillor Glenda Hall, as mayoress.