Spare pennies helping charity to make positive change

An organisation which helps the most vulnerable people in the community is among those receiving support for their vital work through a Teesside University initiative.

Nite Light CIC is among charities and organisations set to benefit from the University’s Be the Change workplace giving scheme, designed to support charities and community groups which make a difference to people’s lives across the Tees Valley.

University colleagues can sign up to donate the pennies from their monthly salary, with contributions used to provide grants to nominated organisations. Staff who sign up for Be the Change can nominate organisations for grant support.

Nite Light CIC social enterprise, based in central Middlesbrough, is among organisations set to benefit from the first round of £500 donations.

Nadia Gibany, founder of Nite Light CIC, said: “We really welcome this donation, which will help to cover the cost of basic items for those in need.”

Set up in 2020, Nite Light CIC aims to help improve the quality of life for those in need, providing items such as hygiene bags and meal cards to support people who are homeless or facing financial difficulty.

Nadia added: “We work with local charities to take in and redistribute surplus foods and toiletries, and welcome donations of everything from clothes to hygiene products and nappies. We will use the donation to help to provide basic essential items such as tents and sleeping bags for people who are homeless.

“Along with donations, we welcome volunteers who can offer their support in different ways, from helping to distribute food and hygiene packs, to signposting and providing a listening ear to those who are lonely or isolated.

“Support can also be offered by buying an item through the Night Light CIC website, whether it can be a hygiene bag for an adult or child, or to support the meal cards which enable the cafes and restaurants who work with us to offer food and drink to those who need it most.”

Jude Smith, Business Services, Quality & Planning Manager in the University’s Student and Library Services, said: “I initially contributed to Nite Light CIC when we had the Platinum Jubilee Street party where I ran a tombola and we raised £120.

“I didn’t want it to be a drop in the ocean contribution to the larger charities that have a lot of sponsorship, so looked closer to home as I wanted it to make a difference locally. A colleague suggested Nite Light CIC and when I read up on it, it seemed a really smart way of supporting vulnerable people by providing them with food, drink and hygiene products directly, so they at least don’t have to worry about that aspect of their lives.

“I also like the fact that due to Nite Light CIC pairing up with cafes and restaurants within Middlesbrough, it gives people the opportunity to feel part of the community.”

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