Jermain Defoe has thanked the red and white army for their superb backing of the Jermain Defoe Foundation shoebox appeal.
The Sunderland striker, who reached 150 Premier League goals in Saturday’s win over Hull City, asked fans to give something back this Christmas and the support was overwhelming.
Speaking to safc.com, Defoe hailed the importance of the appeal and thanked all for their support.
“I’m sure many people know about the shoebox appeal because it’s been done before, but it’s something that I sat down with my family and talked about because we wanted to give something back to the kids in St Lucia.
“There are a lot of kids over there who are underprivileged and disadvantaged so they don’t really get an opportunity to enjoy Christmas, or even have one, so for them to be able to open presents on Christmas day is amazing.”
He continued: “The feedback and amount of boxes we’ve received has been fantastic; I was on Facetime to my mum earlier on and she was emotionally because she couldn’t believe how many people have supported it.
“I think she’s sent about eight barrels over already and there’s many more to come, but she will take them over when she goes because she’s going to spend Christmas in St Lucia and visit the schools.
“Massive thanks to the football club – I mentioned it to them and they came on board straight away – and the fans.
“The most important thing is giving back and what we’ve done with this appeal will hopefully give the kids in St Lucia a great Christmas.”
