CR Reynolds supports North East charities with £6000-plus donations

Charities across Wearside have benefited from donations handed out by a civil engineering contractor helping redevelop Sunderland city centre.

CR Reynolds, which is transforming land in Holmeside into a car park, has handed over more than £6000 to local community organisations including More Than Grandparents, Veterans in Crisis, Grace House North East, Blandford Street Community Project and Fighting All Cancers Together (FACT).

Sunderland City Council and the East Riding of Yorkshire-based company, which has also carried out work to improve pedestrian and landscaped areas around the Station project in the city, liaised with Sunderland Voluntary Sector Alliance to attract bids for donations. 

Work at the 4800sq metre site is close to completion and will officially open later this month, providing space for 196 vehicles as well as EV charging points, a mobility hub and secure cycle storage facilities.

It is funded by the Government’s Transforming Cities Fund, which aims to improve productivity by investing in public and sustainable transport infrastructure, and is part of the council’s ongoing regeneration and investment programme.

Its official opening in October coincides with Breast Cancer Awareness Month and a time when one of the charities - FACT - will be delivering its special ‘Kindness Kits’ to some of its most vulnerable service users. 

Money donated by CR Reynolds has helped the organisation, which supports more than 300 people across Wearside, to create more than 100 kits comprising of toiletries, household products, food items and clothing.

Joanne Smith, FACT founder and chief executive, said: “Living with and beyond cancer brings its own set of difficult challenges.

"As well as the wellbeing and medical aspects, the financial impact that many families face can rapidly become overwhelming so the Kindness Kits can go a long way.

“The donation from the team at CR Reynolds is very much appreciated and will help us to further support our service users here in Sunderland."

Chris Butts, of CR Reynolds, added: “We have worked in Sunderland for a few years, and wanted to give something back to the community that we have served as part of the project.  

“As well as these donations, we also worked closely with Sunderland College to welcome 18 work placement students onto the development site and engage in career fayres for those interested in civil engineering.”

Sunderland City Council is embarking on a multi-million pound investment, regeneration and redevelopment programme that includes a new business district, housing, cultural venues, improved transport connectivity and public realm spaces.

Councillor Michael Mordey, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “This is another great addition to the city centre, which will provide ease of access and encourage more people to use and park close to the shops, cafes and other local amenities including Mowbray Park and the Winter Gardens.”

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