JENNINGS Motor Group has celebrated 18 years of supporting The Salvation Army’s Christmas Present Appeal with a gift donation.
It started in 1998 when Jennings solely operated Ford dealerships and the company forged a partnership with The Salvation Army by agreeing to use its branch network as drop-off and collection points for donations for the charity’s annual Christmas gift appeal.
The campaign, now in its 37th year, provides presents for the most vulnerable people in north-east England who would not normally receive a gift on Christmas Day.
Over the years, as the Jennings business has grown and developed with new dealerships, additional marques and new business ventures, demand for The Salvation Army to support more people in the community at Christmas has also increased.
To celebrate this year’s appeal, the motor group’s managing director, Nas Khan, presented gifts to Major Mark Dooley from The Salvation Army at the company’s Ford dealership at Eslington Park in Gateshead.
Khan said: ‘We are absolutely delighted to have been able to support The Salvation Army with another appeal, and to be celebrating 18 years of support is absolutely fantastic.
‘They do an amazing job supporting people within the community, not just at Christmas time but all year round.
‘Christmas time, however, is the most difficult and challenging time, as they have thousands of people they need to assist in order to make their Christmas extra special.
‘We always get a good response from staff, customers and members of the public who want to do their bit by helping the most vulnerable in society.’
Major Dooley, who is based at Gateshead Community Church, said: ‘Families can find themselves in tough financial situations and that can be very difficult at Christmas, struggling to make ends meet but wanting to take part in celebrations.
‘As a Christian church and charity, we’re inspired by the hope that comes from the Christmas story, and feel that by providing a small gift for families in need, we can share that hope and remind people, as they face those difficult circumstances, that they are valued and cared for.
‘We’re so grateful to people who have donated and for the great support of Jennings Motor Group, who have been busy collecting to support us.’
New non-wrapped toys for children, gifts for teenagers and elderly people, as well as non-perishable food items and Christmas confectionery can be taken to any of Jennings Motor Group’s dealerships at Eslington Park and Ellison Road in Gateshead, Parsons Road in Washington, Newcastle Road in South Shields, Yarm Road and Concorde Way in Stockton, and Cargo Fleet Lane in Middlesbrough.
Pictured at top: Major Mark Dooley with Nas Khan
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