GENTOO SCORES COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP WITH SUNDERLAND AFC AND FOUNDATION OF LIGHT

Sunderland housing association Gentoo has become the official community partner of Sunderland AFC and Foundation of Light after signing a year-long partnership deal. The partnership will bring together three of the city’s key anchor organisations to provide a range of exclusive events, activities and content for Gentoo tenants. Gentoo tenants who are registered with the landlord’s My Gentoo digital services platform will be entered into a draw to win one of three pairs of tickets for every home game at the Stadium of Light this season. Each month, My Gentoo users will also be able to access an exclusive video of Sunderland AFC players talking about their homes and why they love Sunderland. Five events will be held across the city to give Gentoo tenants the chance to meet and greet players and management from the club. In conjunction with Foundation of Light, the registered charity of Sunderland AFC, Gentoo will deliver activities aimed at helping its tenants build their skills for employment and facilitating engagement with young people. Nigel Wilson, Gentoo Group Chief Executive Officer, said: “Sunderland AFC is an institution and we know how much the club means to our tenants, colleagues and people across the city. “We’re excited to be working with the club to give our tenants the chance to watch their team win at home, and to access some exclusive content from their favourite players. “Our work with Foundation of Light also means we can help our tenants to develop the skills they need for employment and to live healthy, active lives.” Tony Davison, Managing Director, Sunderland AFC, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for us to work at the heart of the Sunderland community. “Gentoo is a hugely important organisation to our city and we are delighted to be working alongside them and our Foundation to help them reach their goals.”

“We’re delighted to see our long-standing relationship with Gentoo develop further into a partnership that will improve the lives of many people across our city.”

Lesley Spuhler OBE, Foundation of Light CEO

The partnership was announced at Sunderland AFC’s recent home match against MK Dons on 28 September, where the Lads came out 2-1 winners. Gentoo tenants’ next chance to win tickets is Sunderland AFC’s home game against Tranmere Rovers on 22 October. Interested tenants should visit www.gentoogroup.com/safc for details.