This festive season, the Foundation is extending its support to Sunderland’s most vulnerable by partnering with local charities Love Amelia and Sunderland Foodbank. 
 
In the spirit of the Wear One initiative, the Christmas campaign has been aptly renamed "Wear One for Everyone," with the goal of bringing warmth and care to families and individuals in need. 

The Beacon of Light, home to the Foundation of Light, will serve as a dedicated Christmas drop-off point for donations, encouraging fans, supporters, and community members to participate in the season of giving.  
 
By collecting essential items for Love Amelia and Sunderland Foodbank, the Foundation is amplifying the Wear One campaign's message to unite the community and ensure no one goes without during the festive season.  

How to Get Involved 

From now through to Christmas, the Beacon of Light will have a Love Amelia Gift Tag Tree in reception, for visitors to take a tag and buy a gift for the recipient on the tag.   

The venue will also be accepting donations, including essential items such as clothing, toiletries, and children’s gifts. The collection will directly support Love Amelia, a charity that provides resources for young families. 
 
The Beacon of Light will also continue to be a collection point for Sunderland Foodbank, which offers critical food supplies to those facing hardship. Over two tonnes of food have already been donated.  
 

Items Most Needed: 

• Warm winter clothing (hats, gloves, scarves, socks) 

• Non-perishable food items (canned goods, pasta, rice) 

• Toiletries (toothpaste, soap, shampoo) 

• Children’s toys and books 

Drop-off Details: 

• Location: Beacon of Light, Sunderland 

• Date: November 25 to December 21, 2024 

• Times: 8am - 10pm (Monday to Friday), 9am - 4pm (Saturday and Sunday) 
   

Both Love Amelia and Sunderland Foodbank play critical roles in addressing child poverty and food insecurity in the area. With nearly a third of Sunderland's children living in poverty, these donations are crucial in making a difference in their lives and giving hope and joy to local families this Christmas. 

Foundation of Light invites all supporters, fans, and community members to join us in this mission to bring festive warmth and cheer to those who need it most.  
 

What is Wear One...

Together as one: The Wear One campaign is a call for Sunderland to pull together as one, offering support to those in need and fostering an inclusive community.

Raising awareness: 1 in 3 children in Sunderland is living in poverty. This stark statistic underscores the urgent need for community support and action.

A hand up, not a handout: Empowering people to improve their lives. The Wear One campaign focuses on giving individuals the tools and opportunities they need to gain employment and enhance their quality of life.

How your money can help:

• £3 would give someone access to our healthy lifestyle fitness programme
• £5 would teach a person how to cook healthy meals on a budget
• £10 would pay for an older couple to attend activities to improve physical and mental wellbeing
• £20 would teach a family how to cook healthy meals on a budget

You can also donate to support the Foundation's life-changing work by texting FOLFIVE to 70085 to donate £5 or via JustGiving at justgiving.com/safc

Keep an eye on Foundation of Light channels for all upcoming activities