The North East’s leading teaching supply agency is in the running for a prestigious charitable award.
First Class Supply, which is based in Whitley Bay, has been shortlisted in the ‘Outstanding charity support (small to medium companies)’ category at the inaugural North East Charity Awards 2015.
The firm was nominated for the award by Seven Stories, the national centre for children’s books, which it has an exclusive partnership with, which includes offering free visits to the centre, organising author visits and workshops for schoolchildren, donating books and, earlier in the year, First Class Supply supported its ‘World Book Day’ programme at Newcastle City Hall.
In nominating First Class Supply, Seven Stories commented that: “They truly believe in giving something back and do so with enthusiasm and dedication. They are always a pleasure to deal with and take an active interest in the work we do,” and, “They share our commitment to learning and development, understanding how important it is to find innovative ways to promote literacy and a love of reading by enhancing the experience for children.”
First Class Supply is involved with a number of charitable initiatives in the region, including working with the Newcastle United Foundation to give schoolchildren a ‘first match’ experience at St James’ Park and has engaged with more than 12,000 children through the sponsorship of the ‘Toon Times’ project.
In addition, on its 10th anniversary last year, First Class Supply hosted a fundraising event at St James’ Park, which raised more than £11,000 towards the Teenage Cancer Trust. They also sponsor North Tyneside Credit Union, Monkseaton Football Academy as well as numerous school sports teams, school events and staff regularly donate food and volunteer at the Bay Foodbank, in Whitley Bay.
Other work has included renting out the entire Seaton Delaval Arts Centre for winners of a design-a-sign competition for schools on Tyneside and, over the past two years, the company has donated 17 computers to a number of its partner schools.
Lesley Robinson, director at First Class Supply, said: “To be shortlisted for such a prestigious honour, in the inaugural awards ceremony, is a fantastic achievement which we are all very proud of. The company is committed to supporting local causes and giving back to the community through a variety of charitable initiatives.
“I would like to thank everyone for their support since the formation of the company, as well as all of our charitable partners, who have been a pleasure to work with. We won’t rest on our laurels, following the fantastic nomination by Seven Stories, and I am looking forward to continuing and forging new partnerships and providing further support to some of the region’s excellent causes.”