Staff and patrons of Sunderland Empire have raised £21,075.40 over the last twelve months for Macmillan Cancer Support, the theatre's nominated charity.
The theatre’s charity panel, which launched in 2022, organised a range of fundraising events including walking the Yorkshire 3 Peaks, Boxing Day dips, wreath-making workshops, handmade Christmas decoration sales, Macmillan coffee mornings, staff socials and sponsored walks as well as bucket collections and QR code donations from patrons.
Macmillan provides physical, financial and emotional support to people living with cancer including expert nurses, information and support services, an online community, support line, welfare advice and Macmillan grants.
Sarah Goldie, Local Relationship Fundraising Manager for Macmillan Cancer Support said, “we cannot thank the Sunderland Empire, staff, and customers enough for the incredibly kind donations and fundraising. Everyone has gone over and above to help achieve and go beyond the amount that has been raised.
"With more people diagnosed and living with cancer, Macmillan has never been needed more. Cancer turns many people’s lives upside down, we want to ensure everyone with cancer has access to the support they need, from visiting one of our Macmillan Information Centres, to ringing our support line and our Macmillan professionals offering specialised care. We do whatever it takes to get every person the best support today and spark a revolution in cancer care for the future. We can only continue this work with support from events like these, you are all amazing, well done Sunderland Empire!”
Marie Nixon, Theatre Director at Sunderland Empire, said, “we are absolutely delighted with the incredible fundraising success we’ve achieved. It has been a brilliant partnership, and we are immensely grateful to our fabulous team and our wonderful patrons, whose energy and generosity have been truly inspiring. Their support and donations have made a real difference. We wish Macmillan every success in the future as we now turn our focus to supporting our soon to be announced charity for 2025."