A children’s charity dedicated to supporting families in the north-east living in poverty has partnered with Sunderland Greyhound Stadium to raise funds and awareness of its work.
Love, Amelia distributes new and good-quality essential items to parents and carers of children from birth to ensure every young person locally can live a safe, happy, childhood and become the best version of themselves.
The charity was founded by Steph Capewell, who sadly lost her first-born child and daughter, Amelia, 12 minutes after she was born at Sunderland Royal Hospital in January 2018.
Visits to the hospital in the days following Amelia’s death by Steph and her husband Phill revealed a concerning lack of support for expecting parents who were struggling financially.
The couple held multiple fundraisers and donated 12 support boxes – one for each minute of Amelia’s life – to the hospital before starting Love, Amelia later the same year. Today, the charity distributes over £400,000 worth of essential items annually with the help of 89 volunteers and support staff.
Five years after its launch, Love, Amelia is now receiving a helping paw from the team at Sunderland Greyhound Stadium via its popular fund-racer and a bundle of complimentary adverts.
Joanne Wilson, General Manager at Sunderland Greyhound Stadium, said: “Love, Amelia is such a well-respected charity locally which does fantastic work in the community to help those in need.
“The team’s tireless work has been especially important to families affected by the cost-of-living crisis which is why we are so keen to lend a helping hand by building awareness of this great cause.
“It was our pleasure to host the team at our recent ‘fund-racer’ event which plays a key role in helping good causes and community groups raise funds for a specific cause while enjoying a fun, family-friendly, night out.
“We look forward to seeing Love, Amelia trackside again very soon and continuing to build our positive relationship.”
Launched this year, the stadium’s fund-racer is a six-team networking event which invites local charities and community groups to enjoy a night of racing while raising funds for a good cause.
Groups taking part are sent 100 free tickets to sell with all monies raised going directly to support local projects and charities. It’s proven especially popular with sports clubs who have used funds to purchase new equipment and training kit.
Over £2,000 was raised at the stadium’s most recent event which was attended by Love, Amelia, Cancer Research UK, Durham and District Retired Greyhounds, The Long Ship in Hebburn and Should Shields U14s FC.
Steph Capewell, Chief Executive of Love, Amelia, added: “Our partnership with Sunderland Greyhound Stadium fills us with enthusiasm and gratitude.
“Their support is invaluable in our mission to raise awareness and funds of our work, which is pivotal in our ability to provide essential items to children living in poverty and experiencing other hardships.
“We are incredibly thankful to Sunderland Greyhound Stadium for choosing to support Love, Amelia.
“They play a vital role in our ongoing commitment to making a positive difference in our community and we look forward to working together in partnership."
Further information about Love Amelia and its work to help families experiencing poverty and hardship is available via www.loveamelia.org.uk.
Charities and community groups interested in learning more about Sunderland Greyhound Stadium’s ‘fund-racer’ events can message info@sunderland-greyhounds.co.uk or call 0191 5686 200.
