Sunderland AFC has teamed up with charity group Centrepoint to give back to homeless youngsters in need across the city at Christmas time.
Fans will be able to deliver their non-perishable food goods in the Fan Zone at the Stadium of Light, both before and after December’s remaining two home matches against Chelsea (Wednesday 14 December) and Watford (Saturday 17 December), at the collection point provided by O’Brien Waste Recycling Solutions.
Supporters will also be able to drop off their items for the foodbank from today (Wednesday 7 December) until Monday 19 December at the Stadium of Light and Black Cats House reception, from 9am – 5pm.
Sunderland AFC legend and club ambassador, Kevin Ball, said: “I think it’s fantastic that we’re teaming up with such a worthwhile charity, in Centrepoint, at this special time of the year where I know this city comes together more than ever.
“We hope to see as many fans as possible turn out to offer their food goods to such a great cause and help bring a little joy to those less fortunate at Christmas time.”
Amy Gormanley, Senior Fundraising Officer at Centrepoint Sunderland, said: “Sunderland AFC and its fans have given us amazing support over the years and we’re so grateful to be part of this new initiative. Eating healthily on a small budget is a difficult task for anyone, but for homeless young people with little experience of managing money it can be a real struggle. Donations will help ensure some of the most vulnerable young people in Sunderland don’t go hungry over the Christmas period.
“A key part of our work is teaching young people to shop efficiently and cook healthily, knowledge normally passed on by family members. It takes time to build up these skills and become independent, but they are a vital step in helping young people leave homelessness behind for good.”
The food items required include:
Dry products, such as rice, mashed potato and pasta
Tinned products, such as meats, pies, stews, chilli, tuna, vegetables, beans, spaghetti and soup
Packet products, such as breakfast cereals, biscuits, long life milk, long life fruit juice, sugar and teabags
Sunderland AFC and its official charity, Foundation of Light, have also teamed up with the Salvation Army's Southwick Project as part of the 'Angel Trees' campaign which encourages people to donate toys and other items over the festive period.
Gift tag covered Angel Trees have been placed at the Academy of Light, Black Cat House and the Foundation's Downhill Outreach Centre where players, coaches and club staff will remove as a reminder to buy and donate an extra present back.
Angel trees campaign: Businesses interested in taking part in the appeal and hosting Angel trees should contact Lee Crosby at lee.crosby@foundationoflight.co.uk
For more information about Centrepoint please contact Media & PR Manager Chris Gerrard on 02074236887/ 07540678234 at c.gerrard@centrepoint.org.
