We have given a vital lifeline to a much-loved minority support group that feared losing its community base through lack of funding.

Sunderland African Community Association protects and promotes the wellbeing of black and minority ethnic people on Wearside. The group faced the loss of its regular Hylton Road home after its rent ran out and organisers were unable to raise funds to continue payments, according to spokesperson Kingsley Okojie:

“We desperately needed funding to renew our community centre rent. We previously raised money through member contributions but this suffered as a result of the pandemic. Many members were restricted from working and were not entitled to support, being migrants with no recourse to public funds. That is why we approached Persimmon and apply for funding, in order to extend our rent and maintain our service to the local community.”

On behalf of the company, regional managing director Richard Cook said: “There are some truly inspiring charities and good causes operating within our cities and towns here in the north east. The Sunderland African Community Association was founded to combat marginalisation within the community, and to address the social and economic disadvantages faced by many. It plays a very valuable role in the area and we are proud to do what we can as a company to help keep the group afloat and with a regular meeting place.”