Sunderland and South Tyneside good causes among those to win share of £1million

North East charities are among those to receive funding

St Benedict’s Hospice in Ryhope, Grace House North East and the Customs House Trust are among 14 charities in Tyne and Wear, and hundreds nationally, who have each received a £1,000 donation as part of the Movement for Good Awards.

The awards, launched by specialist insurer Ecclesiastical, saw thousands of people across the UK nominate a cause close to their hearts to be in with a chance of winning a share of £1million.

More than 770 kind-hearted North East residents voted for a total of 46 charities across the region.

Grace House North East in Southwick , Sunderland Picture: DAVID WOOD

In total, 253,879 people around the UK supported the Movement for Good awards, with more than 13,695 charitable causes up and down the country receiving votes. The 500 winning charities were picked at random from those nominated.

Thanking supporters in Tyne and Wear, Mark Hews, Group CEO of Ecclesiastical, said: “We have seen an overwhelming public response to our Movement for Good awards and would like to thank every single person who took the time to nominate a good cause. It’s clear that people care deeply about those in need in their region at what is an incredibly testing time for many, and from looking at the nomination data locally, community organisations seem to hold a particularly fond place in the hearts of residents.

“Ecclesiastical is a unique financial services group. We are owned by a charity which means all available profits can be given to the good causes that are so important to our customers.

“As a company whose purpose is to contribute to the greater good of society, charitable giving is at the heart of our business. We know that £1,000 can make a huge difference to the incredible work that charities do and we’re looking forward to seeing how this financial boost will change lives for the better.”

St Benedict's Hospice in Ryhope, Sunderland

For more information about the Movement for Good awards and for a full list of the winning charities, visit: www.ecclesiastical.com/movementforgood

Later this summer, a further ten charities will also be chosen by a panel of judges to receive £50,000 from Ecclesiastical to be put towards the advancement of education, skills, arts, culture and heritage, as well as citizenship or community development.

From June 15, charities are invited to apply for the substantial grant with applications being assessed against four key areas; impact and effectiveness, sustainability, innovation, and care and compassion. The successful charities will be announced from Monday, September 21, 2020.

Full list of winning North East charities: