Sunderland AFC’s independent supporters’ group Red and White Army (RAWA) have partnered with Foodbanks in the city to help raise awareness of the project and encourage donations.
The partnership kicks off on Saturday 8th September at the Stadium of Light’s Fan Zone before the home fixture against Fleetwood Town. RAWA would like Sunderland supporters to provide vital help to our local Foodbanks by donating food that will be distributed to those in need.
RAWA chairman Andrew Hird said "It's very sad that in this day and age that there is a real demand for this. The volunteers and small staff team of the local foodbank network do an amazing job on a shoe string. RAWA members voted unanimously at our recent AGM to provide a helping hand and we are very happy to do so. We're sure Sunderland supporters will get behind this and we are very grateful to the club for providing space in the Fan Zone where fans can leave their donations - whether it's cash or food".
Foodbank co-ordinator Kate Townsend believes the generosity and community spirit of Sunderland fans will provide a huge boost their work. “Working together with the Red and White Army and having a collection at the Stadium of Light will be amazing for our foodbanks. Football brings communities together and foodbanks are helping the community in and around Sunderland. We see people struggling to make ends meet due to low income or benefit changes and collections of this nature are so important in supporting the community.”
The Fans Supporting Foodbanks donation point will open at 12pm in the Fanzone. Donations of non-perishable food items and cash are welcome. The foodbank is asking especially for tinned fish, tinned fruit, coffee, custard, rice pudding and tinned potatoes.
Fans can also drop off food donations at the Beacon of Light in the week running up to the Fleetwood Town match (from Monday 3rd September). Donations can be made at the new home of the Foundation of Light, adjacent to the Sunderland Aquatic Centre, from Monday to Friday 9am-10pm.
Sunderland AFC’s Supporter Liaison Officer Chris Waters said “As a football club that sits at the heart of the City’s community we are delighted to support the Red and White Army and Sunderland Foodbank with this new partnership. We encourage as many supporters to get behind this campaign and provide what they can to offer support.”
