International Day of Charity: Spotlight on Grace House

​Each year 5th September marks the annual International Day of Charity, where people across the world raise awareness of the important work charities undertake.

We’d like to use this day to shine a light on a local charity that’s very close to our hearts, Grace House.

A day of support across the nations

Established by the United Nations, the 5th September was chosen as International Day of Charity to mark the passing of Mother Theresa. 

The awareness day provides a great opportunity to pay homage to the great work charities do in our communities. From supporting illness to helping people rebuild their lives - meeting humanitarian crises face on and helping to create a more resilient and inclusive society.

When it comes to charity and selflessly supporting others, Mother Theresa provides a shining example and as such International Day of Charity is a humbling way to commemorate the anniversary.

Supporting families across the North East

Grace House was founded on the same ethos to help local families with children and young people with additional needs, to support them, help enrich their lives and ensure they can reach their full potential.

From their purpose-built home in Southwick, Sunderland, they aim to be a regional centre of excellence for providing respite care to disabled children and their families. Priding themselves in always challenging how they can improve the quality and range of services provided, they ensure children can make the most of their short breaks at the centre to take much-needed time away from home.

Grace House can provide a break away for up to 8 young people, and short breaks include fun activities and day trips out. As well as on-site facilities such as soft play, a music room and sensory space. Whilst parents can benefit from holistic therapies, counselling services and support groups to chat with other parents. Special activity groups are also organised for babies and toddlers.

They can only continue to deliver these vital services though, thanks to the generous donations of local organisations and individuals.

Joining forces for good

We’re highlighting Grace House this International Day of Charity because it’s a charity that’s important to our Sunderland team. For several years now the team has worked together to support Grace House, undertaking fundraising in the branches including roping in their families and clients - as well as providing volunteering support.

NRL Group colleagues can take advantage of the company’s charity day initiative, where a paid day can be taken out of the business to support a local cause or initiative that’s important to each individual. Over recent years the Sunderland-based Recruitment team, with colleagues from the Teesside branch also joining in, have worked together to use their paid charity days to support the team at Grace House - from gardening to volunteering to help with events.

A real team effort

Passionate about fundraising for Grace House, North East based colleagues have undertaken a wide range of activities - including a muddy 10k obstacle course designed by Royal Marine veterans and fun activities in their branch such as Christmas jumper days.

This year, Branch Manager Emma is taking on a huge personal challenge to help raise money for Grace House - as she embarks on the Great North Run.

Taking place on Sunday 11th September, Emma claims she’s no runner - something she only realised when she joined the local running club to prepare for the challenge. Despite this she’s keen to press on and tackle the half marathon on the big day, which starts in Newcastle and finishes in South Shields and usually attracts around 60,000 runners.

If you’d like to share your support for Emma’s Great North Run challenge by making a donation to Grace House, you can visit the team’s fundraising page.

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