A local education charity has received a £1,000 donation from Amazon’s UK Head Office in Shoreditch.

The Sutton Trust aims to promote social mobility and give children from a lower socio-economic background improved access to education, training and employment.

The donation was made as part of the ‘Amazon in the Community’ programme, whereby the company supports the communities around its operating locations across the UK.

The Sutton Trust plans to use the donation to run its flagship programmes, supporting disadvantaged students with access to leading universities and careers.

Speaking on the donation Beth Knight, Amazon in the Community, UK lead, said:

“I’m someone who had help accessing university thanks to programmes like those offered by The Sutton Trust. It’s great to see the positive impact this organisation is having in London and I’m pleased we can lend our support.”

James Turner, CEO of the Sutton Trust added:

“We’re very grateful to Amazon for this donation, which will help our work to ensure that more disadvantaged students have access to leading universities. We’re very lucky to have a great team, working with some great partners, who are all dedicated to improving outcomes for the young people we support.”

Amazon employs over 29,500 people across the UK and has invested over £18bn in the country since 2010.

Community donations is one of a number of ways in which Amazon is supporting communities across the UK during COVID-19.

Amazon is providing disadvantaged students with online STEM courses as well as teaming up with charity partner Magic Breakfast by delivering three quarters of a million healthy breakfasts to families around the UK.