Pattinson Estate Agency Celebrates £50,000 Milestone in Community Foundation Donations!

Last week, we proudly announced a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to supporting local communities. Having established a fruitful partnership with The Community Foundation almost 7 years ago, we have now reached an impressive milestone, having donated a cumulative total of £50,000 to various deserving causes.  

The fund has supported a range of local charities and voluntary organisations, helping young people and care leavers, survivors of domestic abuse, ex-offenders and those who are homeless or face housing challenges.  

Since its inception, the partnership between ourselves and The Community Foundation has been instrumental in providing essential support to organisations dedicated to addressing homelessness and housing related issues. Through this initiative, we aim to make a tangible difference in the lives of those most in need within the community.   

The core focus of the grants distributed by us encompasses four key categories, each addressing critical areas of need within the community.  

Support young people and care leavers: Recognising the challenges faced by young people transitioning from care, ‘move-in packs’ are supplied, which provide essential items to help them settle into new homes. This includes donations to, and support of organisations such as ‘Barnabas Safe and Sound’, and the ‘Berwick Youth Project.’ 

Assistance for ex-offenders: The Community Foundation and us (Pattinson Estate Agency) are committed to aiding ex-offenders in their journey towards rehabilitation and reintegration into society. Giving grants to organisations like ‘Junction 42’ and ‘Oswin Project’ provide invaluable support in finding employment opportunities for individuals seeking a fresh start.  

Aid for survivors of domestic abuse: Supporting survivors of domestic abuse is a crucial aspect of The Community Foundation and our philanthropic endeavours. Organisations like ‘Northumberland Domestic Abuse Services’ and ‘Wearside Women in Need’ receive assistance in providing move-in packs for individuals and families transitioning into safe accommodation. 

General Housing/Homeless Charities: We also extend our support to general housing and homeless charities, including initiatives that provide essential furniture for those in need, such as ‘Foundations Furniture’ and ‘Gardening Project.’ 

Elaine Holdsworth, Senior Philanthropy Advisor at the Community Foundation is overwhelmed by the support our estate agency has given, ‘Through the fund, Pattinson Estate Agents have shown a commitment to the area they serve and helping tackle some of the most pressing issues facing our communities. I am thrilled that by reaching this landmark, we can celebrate the impact of their generosity.’ 

In addition to financial assistance, we also actively engage in promoting the visibility of supported organisations through our monthly newsletter and our various social media platforms. By amplifying their reach, we aim to further bolster the impact of these invaluable community initiatives.  

Our Managing Director, Caroline Pattinson, is over the moon with the results, ‘We set up the fund to mark the 40th Anniversary of Pattinson Estate Agency, almost seven years ago, and through it we can give grants to a range of smaller charities across the region. We are immensely proud to have reached the milestone of £50,000 in donations through our partnership with The Community Foundation. The heartwarming feedback we have received from the organisations we support reaffirms the importance of our collective efforts in making a meaningful difference in the lives of those facing housing related challenges in our communities.’  

The charities supported are often unheard of as they are not advertised in the mainstream, however, they are all community-based charities which are doing fantastic work across the region.  

As mentioned, there have been several beneficiaries from the grants, and another of these recipients are Foundation Furniture and Gardening Project, which support communities in Gateshead through the provision of recycled household furniture. Michelle Scott from Foundations added, ‘Foundations was first supported by Pattinson Estate Agents in 2019. Thanks to their continued assistance ever since, we have helped over 40 households most affected by furniture poverty and crisis in Gateshead with free pre-loved beds, sofas, and storage.  Households have told us about the positive changes they have experienced as a result, such as feeling more positive, sociable and settled in their homes and community. We hear that children are sleeping better and able to invite friends over, while their parents or carers feel less anxious knowing that the financial burden of being able to afford furniture has been lifted.’