News Beat
The Auckland Project helping families across County Durham
The donations delivered through The Angel Trust and 123help4familys, included toys, clothing, food, and family tickets to AGLOW, The Auckland Project’s festive light trail.
Jane Ruffer, CEO of The Auckland Project, said: “Christmas is about community, kindness, and connection, and we believe those values should be felt by everyone.
“We’re proud to support The Angel Trust and 123help5familys, whose teams work tirelessly throughout the year to support families facing really testing times.
“By donating toys, clothing, food, and experiences such as AGLOW, we hope to bring moments of fun and togetherness to children and parents at what can be an especially difficult time of year.
“Supporting our local community is central to our mission, and we remain committed to working alongside grassroots charities to help ensure people across Bishop Auckland, County Durham, and Darlington feel supported, valued, and connected — not just at Christmas, but all year round.”
The Auckland Project regularly donates surplus produce from its 17th-century walled garden to The Angel Trust and recently provided plants and herbs to help launch the charity’s new Beehive Café in Bishop Auckland.
Items donated included colouring books, toys, hygiene products, hats, scarves, gloves, food, and blankets.
Weardale Railway, which was saved from administration by The Auckland Project in 2020, contributed soft toys, train sets, and colouring books.
Claire Gibbons, general manager at Weardale Railway, said: “As a railway rooted in the heart of Weardale, supporting local families and charities is incredibly important to us.
“Being part of this donation is a chance to share a little festive magic and to help ensure children across the region have something special to enjoy this Christmas.
“We’re proud to play our part in supporting the communities that continue to support us.”
The Angel Trust supports families with emergency aid, financial guidance, mental wellbeing services, and community development schemes.
Clair McGregor, CEO at The Angel Trust, said: “The generosity shown by The Auckland Project makes a real difference to the families we support.
“Every toy, food donation, and gesture of kindness helps ensure children across County Durham and Darlington can experience the joy of Christmas.”
Stanhope-based charity 123help4familys assists families experiencing poverty, as well as women’s refuges, ex-military personnel, the elderly, and those facing illness or domestic abuse.
Shaun Emerson, founder of 123help4familys, said: “Support like this helps us reach more families and individuals who are struggling right now – particularly when referrals to charities like ours are increasing by the day.
“It’s about more than donations – it’s about showing people that their community cares.”
The Auckland Project also recently welcomed families supported by Home-Start Teesside to AGLOW, where they enjoyed the light trail, met Santa, and toasted marshmallows around a fire pit.
The organisation’s wider community work includes Hearth, a cultural and social regeneration programme delivered in partnership with SHED.
The scheme aims to bring people together through creativity and shared experience, reinforcing the project’s long-term investment in Bishop Auckland and surrounding communities.
Founded in 2012 by Jonathan and Jane Ruffer, The Auckland Project seeks to transform Bishop Auckland into a vibrant destination rooted in heritage, culture, and community.
Attractions include Auckland Palace, the Spanish Gallery, the Mining Art Gallery, and the Faith Museum.
AGLOW runs until December 31, 2025, excluding Christmas Day.
Tickets start at £13.50, with free parking, an accessible route, and sensory-friendly sessions available.
Further details and ticket bookings are available at aucklandaglow.org or by emailing enquiries@aucklandproject.org.
