L-R: Andrew Skelton (SOS Group Director) and Paula Gascoigne (Smile For Life Chief Executive)
Gateshead-based technology company, SOS Group, is continuing its commitment to supporting local community organisations with a donation to the Smile For Life charity, which is making a positive difference in the lives of young people across the North East.
SOS Group director, Andrew Skelton, was proud to attend the charity’s recent celebration event and took the opportunity to present a donation for £500 that will be used to fund specialist training courses.
Established in 2007, Smile For Life empowers disabled and disadvantaged children and young people to achieve their potential to live a full and happy
One way the charity does this is through work experience placements at its two Newcastle cafes, Café Beam in Gosforth and Café Beam at Ouseburn Farm, both run by a team of young people with a variety of disabilities and learning difficulties.
With support from experienced mentors, the youngsters help to prepare all the produce, serve customers, operate tills and handle money as well as welcoming customers.
Paula Gascoigne, Smile For Life chief executive, says: “We’re very grateful for the ongoing support from SOS Group. Everyone at the company has a great enthusiasm for what we’re doing and it’s much appreciated.
“This most recent donation will be used to fund online Food Hygiene, Customer Service and First Aid training courses for our young people. These will be relevant for them in their Café Beam work placements as well as a useful addition to their CVs.”
SOS Group has previously supported Smile For Life with a donation to generate further fundraising via the Great North Run. It has provided the charity with all its office photocopying, printing and scanning needs for the last 10 years and recently supplied additional equipment for the new Café Beam at Ouseburn Farm.
Andrew Skelton says: “Smile For Life makes an enormous difference in the lives of young people and we’re always proud to support the charity.
“Investing in these food preparation courses makes sense now and for the future and we hope the young people involved will also find the experience very enjoyable.”
Based on the Team Valley, SOS Group supplies and maintains leading brand digital office equipment and offers a full range of office management services.
Now in their 22nd year, the company pride themselves on their community involvement and have donated more than £350,000 to support charities and community organisations since their launch.
For more information, please visit www.sosgroup-ltd.co.uk.
