Since 2001, the Foundation of Light has supported thousands of people across Sunderland to live healthier and happier lives.
International Day of Charity falls this weekend and the football club’s official charity would love for fans to show their support to their cause.
Recognised as the best football in the community scheme outside of the Premier League, the Foundation run a range of programmes designed to overcome regional challenges such as unemployment, obesity, poor mental health and social isolation.
Alongside partners including Sunderland City Council, they work to make Sunderland a better place for everyone, through innovative community projects in education, employability and health and wellbeing.
Programmes are accessible to all at the Foundation’s Beacon of Light base and through local schools and community centres across the city.
But the Foundation needs your help!
WHERE DOES OUR MONEY GO?
£1 pays for a young child to take part in a football session, building a lifelong love of sport and preventing obesity.
£4 pays for an older person to attend activities helping them stay socially active and improving their physical and mental health.
£15 supports a family to learn how to cook a healthy meal on a budget, bringing families together to have fun and stay healthy.
£20 supports a teenager to become work ready by teaching them key enterprise and employment skills.
SIX WAYS YOU CAN HELP
1 GIVE AS YOU EARN (GAYE)
Donations made through ‘Give as You Earn’ (GAYE) are paid direct from your employer to your chosen charity. It is a tax-effective way of donating to good causes, meaning the charity receives more money than you donate.
Money is taken from your salary after National Insurance contributions are removed, but before Income Tax is calculated and deducted.
To donate through GAYE, you simply have to notify your payroll department how the amount you want to give and payments will continue until you discontinue them.
Through GAYE, your money can help more people than through a standard donation – it costs you LESS to give MORE!
2 ONE-OFF DONATIONS
We are always appreciative when people make a one-off donation – big or small, every penny counts.
Personal donations may be eligible for Gift Aid, allowing us to claim tax back on the donation. This means your donation may be worth 25% more to us than it is to you.
Donate online via www.justgiving.com/safc or text FOLQUID to 70085 to donate £1
3 TAKE ON A CHALLENGE
Do you fancy taking on the challenge of a lifetime and running a marathon, completing a skydive, scale a mountain or complete a long-range cycle? We might be able to help!
Our expert Fundraising Team is on hand to support you to fundraise for us. We receive places for the Great North Run, and Sunderland 10km and Half Marathon, as well as organising our own events like the Lambton 10km and the International Cycle Challenge.
Or if you fancy something a little less strenuous, our team can support you to host your own event – from cake sales to fashion shows, talk-ins and pub quizzes.
4 BECOME A FRIEND OF THE FOUNDATION
Show your support for the Foundation by making your mark on the Beacon of Light by purchasing a tile on our ‘Friends of the Foundation’ wall.
For £250+VAT you can put a message or dedication that will become a permanent fixture in the fantastic community venue. A fantastic gift or memorial for the SAFC fan in your life!
5 VOLUNTEER
If you can’t give your money why not give your time?
There are lots of personal and professional benefits to volunteering including learning new skills, meeting new people and, most importantly, having fun doing something you know is making a difference to other people’s lives.
Whether it’s taking part in fundraising events and collections, helping us connect with our communities whilst raising vital funds, or giving your time to support a specific project using your skills and knowledge, you’ll have played your part in making Sunderland better for everyone.
Our Volunteer Co-ordinator will ensure that you have the support necessary to get the most out of your time and help you find an opportunity that’s right for you.
6 FOLLOW ON SOCIAL
Follow the Foundation of Light on Twitter - https://twitter.com/SAFCFoL
Like their official Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/SAFCFoL
Subscribe to their YouTube channel - http://bit.ly/SAFCFoLYT
Follow their Instagram updates - https://www.instagram.com/foundationoflight