Sunderland workers thanked for sending gifts to needy children

The Regus centre at Doxford International Business Park in Sunderland, collected more than 200 shoeboxes, containing everything from sweets and toys to toothbrushes, colouring books and stickers.

They were distributed in time for Christmas to underprivileged children in orphanages, hospitals and refugee camps in some of the world’s poorest countries.

This is the third year that Regus has been involved in the shoebox appeal, with more than 300 UK centres collecting more than 15,000 shoeboxes between them.

Simon Barrington, executive director of Samaritan’s Purse, the charity which organises the Operation Christmas Child shoebox appeal, said: “The Regus network of local workplace centres was ideally positioned to support the appeal and we would like to thank the company for its continued support.

“We would also like to extend our thanks to all the members of the public who wrapped, packed and brought in their shoeboxes.

“Because of them, many thousands of children who otherwise wouldn’t have received any presents this Christmas knew they weren’t forgotten.”

Richard Morris, chief executive of Regus, said: “We’re always delighted to support the appeal and the response this year has been overwhelming.

“Our centre teams thoroughly enjoyed their participation and were very happy to get involved and do their bit to help this very worthwhile cause.

“We’d like to extend our thanks to all the local businesses, schools, groups and individuals who brought in their shoeboxes to our centres.”