Dan Ballard named as Sunderland AFC’s 2025/26 PFA Community Champion
Sunderland AFC defender Dan Ballard has been named as PFA Community Champion for his work with the Foundation of Light across the 2025-26 season.
Foundation of Light is delighted to partner with Pennies, the UK’s leading micro-donations charity, to provide Sunderland fans with the chance to donate to the Club’s official charity when buying Club merchandise.
Black Cats supporters now have the option to make a small digital donation to Foundation of Light when completing any card purchase in the official club store, as well as online at safcstore.com.
This collaboration makes it easier for fans and supporters to give back to their community with all donations directly funding the Foundation’s Wear One campaign.
The Wear One campaign is responding to the ongoing challenges faced by many, while aiming to unite the city and give a hand up to those in need.
One in three children in Sunderland are living in poverty. Through collective effort, the Foundation aims to provide a much-needed hand up to those striving to improve their lives and gain employment and live better lives.
Lesley Spuhler Foundation of Light CEO said: “Partnering with Pennies offers supporters a simple and powerful way to be a part of what we do every day. Small donations really add up, and this partnership will allow us to expand our reach, bringing more support to those who need it most in our community.”

How to Get Involved
To join in, Sunderland AFC fans and the broader community can simply say “yes” when prompted to donate while shopping in-store or online.
With every purchase, supporters will have the opportunity to contribute in supporting the Foundation of Light in making a real difference to lives across the North East.
Sunderland AFC defender Dan Ballard has been named as PFA Community Champion for his work with the Foundation of Light across the 2025-26 season.
Young people from across County Durham were given a special opportunity to meet Sir Bob Murray as part of a celebration event recognising participants of the Sir Bob Murray Award.
Foundation of Light’s Gala Awards Dinner will return in 2026, marking a milestone celebration of 25 years of life-changing impact across the North East on Friday 2 October.