Beacon of Light taking part in Kit Out Sunderland donation initiative

Beacon of Light is collaborating with Sunderland City Council to support Kit Out Sunderland – a sports kit donation initiative.

Throughout June, the Beacon will join several locations and sports facilities across Sunderland and Tyne and Wear in being open to receive donations of unwanted sports kit and active wear, that will be gifted to local children, young people and families.

This will not only benefit the environment by reducing waste, but also address accessibility concerns, as being unable to afford appropriate kit is one of the biggest factors for children from disadvantaged backgrounds struggling to take part in sports.

The donations will be sorted in early July and distributed to local people to support them to be more active this summer and beyond.

Kit Out Sunderland is a collective partnership between Active Sunderland, RISE, Sported, StreetGames and Youth Sport Trust, with sponsorship from the North East Combined Authority.

The partners are working together to reduce barriers to participation in sport and physical activity locally, whilst reducing the environmental impact of sports kit and active wear. Striving to have healthier, safer, and more active communities.

Any donations are appreciated, with special requests for sports and active leisure tops, hoodies and tracksuits, leggings and joggers, waterproofs, trainers and football boots which are new or in a clean and useable condition.

Donations will be sorted by young volunteers from Sunderland College and the Foundation of Light once the collection window closes on 29 June, before local youth and sports organisations distribute the donations to local children, young people and families accessing their services.

Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Tourism at Sunderland City Council, Councillor Beth Jones, said: "This is a fantastic way of giving a new lease of life to unwanted sports kit.

"It helps both those who want to get active but don't have the kit and those who have it but no longer need it.

"We're delighted it's happening in Sunderland and our thanks go all the partners who are hosting donation boxes."

If you would like to take part, please find our donation point near the main reception at the Beacon of Light.