A civil engineering contractor which began at Herrington and grew to become one of the largest construction and demolition companies in the region, has been giving something back to the community.
The MGL Group now based in Durham, provide a range of construction industry services including demolition, civil engineering, road surfacing and bulk earthworks.
The company and their local workforce also raise money for local charities across the region, through both staff donations and the company’s MGL Foundation Trust.
MGL approached Sunderland City Council for advice on which local charity might best help them distribute Christmas gifts to some of Sunderland’s most vulnerable residents.
Sunderland City Council works in partnership with the voluntary and community sector to provide a network of help and support to families and individuals in need, and suggested the Salvation Army.
The Salvation Army in Sunderland have five distribution centres helping some of the most vulnerable people in the community, including young people who may be struggling to set up home and find work.
Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture, Councillor John Kelly said: “Charities and voluntary groups in Sunderland do an amazing job, and this collaboration between the Salvation Army and local business the MGL Group shows what can be achieved when we all work together.”
Company Director, Gillian Reader, visited the Salvation Army’s Austin House Family Centre in Southwick this week to deliver some of the items bought by the MGL Foundation Trust to help disadvantaged youngsters enjoy Christmas a little more this year.
Community Manager at the Salvation Army, Graham Wharton said: “It’s really encouraging that the council thought of the Salvation Army as the organisation to help with this.
“We invited Gillian for a tour of our offices, and showed her how we will help make sure that all the gifts and toys the MGL Group have donated will get to the people who most need them most.
“ I’d thank to thank the company and their staff for their generosity and hope we can work together in the future.”
MGL Group company director Gillian Reader added: “The MGL Foundation Trust was established in 2016 to enable us to support local charities, children, the elderly and veterans, and to promote sport and education within the North East of England.
“Our team raise money and donate to various good causes throughout the year, and at Christmas time we collect gifts for children and young people in our local area.
“The tremendous work carried out by Graham and his volunteers at The Salvation Army at Austin House, means that many local families will directly benefit from the kindness of others all year, but especially at Christmas time.”
