Round-up: 2024 at the Foundation of Light opens with an active January

While January can feel like a long month for some, 2024 at the Foundation of Light has opened with some community wins scored, new projects launched, and the continuation of our work at the Beacon of Light and across the region.

Corporate Membership Launch

We were delighted to announce the relaunch of Foundation of Light Corporate Membership for 2024.

The new package has been influenced by the feedback of current Foundation of Light partners, which has allowed us to build an offer that meets their priorities.

Corporate Membership allows organisations to address their CSR goals, entering a partnership with many mutual benefits while providing funds that support the vital work of the Foundation of Light.

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BornGood Digital Exclusion Partnership

Thanks to Sunderland AFC and Foundation of Light’s collaboration with BornGood, supporters can now access free-to-use laptops at the Beacon of Light.

BornGood have provided £30,000 worth of laptops and desktop PCs, creating an accessible resource as part of a two-year Digital Inclusion Partnership.

The service will also support various SAFC initiatives, including the digital ticket project and turnstile test service, while also aiding Foundation of Light's range of digital skills and Family Learning projects. 

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Girls’ Cup Success

Foundation of Light were proud to see St Joseph’s Catholic Academy, who are representing Sunderland AFC and the Foundation in the EFL Girls’ Cup, win their Area Finals.

The young stars went unbeaten in their group stage and progressed in the semi-final to set up a Wear-Tees Final against Middlesbrough in the tournament at Sheffield.

St Joseph’s came out on top in the all-North East encounter, winning 2-0 to progress to the next phase of the competition, where they will face the over 4 area finalists.

The winners of March’s area finalist competition will head to Wembley Stadium for the North vs South Final.

EFL Community Weekend

We were pleased to take part in the first ever EFL Community Weekend, aiming to build on the momentum of the Week of Action to share inspiring stories of people who have made a difference in their local community.

The Foundation’s Community Hero was James Stanness, who overcame several heart-breaking bereavements within a short space of time with the help of Wear Together and a Game of II Halves, before going on to become a volunteer supporting the programmes.

As part of the Community Weekend activities at the Stadium of Light ahead of Sunderland AFC’s match against Hull City, we took the opportunity to announce the relaunch of our Game of II Halves suicide prevention programme.

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Derby Rivals unite to tackle knife crime

Ahead of the Wear-Tyne Derby in the Emirates FA Cup third round, Foundation of Light and Newcastle United Foundation came together to promote the Knives Impact Everyone campaign launched by Police Commissioner Kim McGuinness and local families who have lost loved ones to violence.

The two charities championed the impactful campaign across their digital channels ahead of the first game between the sides since 2016.

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Elsewhere in January:

We announced our first holiday courses of the year for February half-term. Find out more on how to book here: Click Here

The playing surface of the Beacon of Light's indoor barn was upgraded during January. Although this meant the rooftop pitch had to be closed for a few weeks, the industry-leading new surface is a worthwhile upgrade which will enhance the Foundation's football programmes. Full Story

Ahead of Green Football Weekend from February 2^nd to February 5^th, Foundation of Light has been encouraging supporters to score green goals in the Planet League. Make sustainable changes and upload your photos to help Sunderland AFC climb the Green Football Cup table. To get started, head here: Click Here

Places became available to run the Great North Run for the Foundation of Light for a £62 entry fee with a £300 fundraising pledge. Limited spaces remain, so contact fiona.murphy@foundationoflight.co.uk to sign up

We recognised Obesity Awareness Week to raise awareness for some of our healthy lifestyle programmes

Our new strength and balance sessions launched for over 55s, providing more opportunities for participants to hit their New Year goals. Click Here