Foundation supports fan-organised foodbank

Foundation of Light is encouraging supporters to give generously to a Wearside foodbank ahead of Sunderland AFC's match against Fleetwood Town. The foodbank collection, organised by SAFC independent supporters' group Red and White Army (RAWA) and Sunderland Foodbanks, will see a drop-off point set up at the Beacon of Light from Wednesday 5th September for fans to bring donations. Volunteers will also be at the Stadium of Light's Fan Zone from 12pm on Saturday to raise awareness of the project and accept food parcels and cash.

We think that this is a brilliant initiative and we're very happy to play our part and make it easier for fans to support those in need across our great region. It is important for us to make our own contributions to those less fortunate in our communities, and this is a fantastic way to help.

Phil King, Beacon of Light General Manager

All donated items will go to Sunderland Foodbank, a project founded by local churches and community groups who work together towards stopping hunger on Wearside. Since opening in November 2017, the foodbank has received support from Sunderland City Council and local businesses and supermarkets across the region and uses the goods it receives to supply collection points in the Sunderland area. Foodbank Coordinator Kate Townsend, added: "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 to supporting the local community." RAWA Chairman Andrew Hird, said: "It is very sad that in this day and age that there is a real demand for foodbanks. "The volunteers and small staff team of the local foodbank network do an amazing job on a shoe string. We're sure Sunderland supporters will get behind this and we are very grateful to Sunderland AFC and Foundation of Light for providing space in the Beacon and Stadium of Light Fan Zone where fans can leave their donations - whether it's cash or food." Supporters are being encouraged to bring along the following items:

• Coffee
• Fruit juice (long life)
• Tinned fruit
• Tinned fish
• Sugar
• Custard
• Rice pudding
• Sponge pudding
• Tinned potatoes

Supporters dropping off donations at the Beacon of Light will also be offered a tour of the North East's newest sports, health, education and events venue. The Beacon houses a 4G football barn, capable of hosting 7-a-side and 5-a-side games, six outdoor 5-a-side pitches, a versatile indoor arena which can also host national sporting competitions, exhibitions and events, and a suite of classrooms, offices and informal learning spaces. The Beacon of Light is also home to Foundation of Light, generating vital funds which will be reinvested back in to the community through the charity’s award-winning programmes.