Foundation of Light is proud to launch its annual review which celebrates our achievements and tells the stories of some of the people we have inspired.
More than just a football charity, over the past year we have changed the lives of over 30,000 course registrants across the North East through our award-winning programmes.
In 2018 the Beacon of Light opened its doors to the public, firmly placing the Foundation at the core of the community for generations to come.
Foundation of Light Chair of Trustees, Sir Bob Murray CBE, said: "This year we completed our ambitious move into the landmark Beacon of Light, our new £20m home and a centre of opportunity for the whole region.
"As a football-inspired charity, it sets us apart from all others, fusing together the best of what football and sport can encourage, motivate and achieve.
"Our relationship with our parent football club has also been reinvigorated with Sunderland AFC owner Stewart Donald joining our board of Trustees, and work is underway to further embed the Foundation in SAFC's broader community engagement strategy that will pay dividends for even more people in this region."
Lighting the way for others – over the past 12 months we have:
- Worked with 33,279 course registrants
- Engaged 112 schools
- Worked with 1,484 families
- Supported over 2,000 people with disabilities
- Helped over 1,600 young people and adults gain qualifications or accreditations
- Improved access and participation in football and sport for more than 27,000 people
Foundation CEO, Lesley Spuhler OBE, added: "We are now at the beginning of a new era with the Beacon of Light being as much of a responsibility as an opportunity.
"Whilst the Beacon is now our home, we remain at the heart of our communities across the North East through our outreach centres, acting as each neighbourhood's 'tailor-made Foundations'.
"We would like to thank our team of committed and passionate staff and volunteers. They, plus our partners and supporters are the reason we can change the lives of so many people."
