Round-Up: Busy December caps an excellent 2024 for Foundation of Light

Foundation of Light closed a successful year with a busy December, featuring royal recognition, first-team success, and celebrations.

Duchess of Edinburgh hosts Palace lunch for Foundation

Foundation of Light’s Royal Patron, Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh, hosted a very special St James’s Palace lunch for supporters.

The event brought together supporters of Sunderland AFC’s official charity to celebrate some of their incredible achievements.

Full Story: Click Here

Gala Dinner recognition continues

The annual Gala Awards Dinner celebrating Foundation participants took place at the end of November and the story continued into December.

The Awards Dinner caught the attention of ITV Tyne Tees as well as scoring further coverage across local and regional media for the outstanding achievements of some of those that the Foundation of Light has worked with.

On International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we shared the story of one of our winners, Jacob Northover, who has continued to pursue his footballing dreams after his life was turned upside down when he lost his eyesight through illness.

Watch Jacob's Story: Click Here

More awards for Foundation

Foundation of Light was named ‘Charity Club of the Year’ at the Club Mirror magazine’s Club Awards night in Leicester.

Alongside the major recognition for the Foundation, four participants and volunteers working with Sunderland AFC’s official charity also picked up awards.

Full Story: Click Here

Partnership with Durham University cemented

Durham University and the Foundation of Light have announced a brand-new partnership to collaborate on transformative initiatives aimed at improving local communities.

The partnership was officially marked by a ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Understanding at the Beacon of Light in Sunderland, with Sir Bob Murray, Chair of Trustees at the Foundation of Light, and Professor Karen O’Brien, Vice-Chancellor of Durham University.

Full Story: Click Here

Former Foundation participants’ SAFC success

Tommy Watson burst onto the scene with some excellent performances through November and December, which culminated in his match-winning brace against Stoke City.

Earlier on in his footballing journey, Tommy turned out for one of the Foundation’s Community Club sides in his youth.

Later in the month, former Foundation Player Development Centre participants Charlie Dinsdale and Dan Parker represented SAFC U18s against Derby County in the FA Youth Cup.

Supporters get behind Foundation’s Christmas campaign

Foundation of Light supporters and the Sunderland community engaged with the charity’s Wear One for Everyone campaign throughout December.

Supporters helped the Foundation raise over £3,000 through the Crowdfunder draws, which gave SAFC fans entries into a draw to win unique memorabilia such as Tommy Watson signed boots and a Wilson Isidor signed shirt, in return for a donation.

Through the Wear One for Everyone campaign, SAFC’s official charity encouraged supporters to get behind other local causes, including Love Amelia’s Toy Appeal, with their Gift Tag Tree located at the Beacon of Light.

The response was fantastic, helping to make sure that all children had something to open this Christmas, alongside donations of other essentials such as winter clothing, toiletries, and food.

Sir Bob Murray reviews 2024

At the end of the year, Foundation of Light Founder and Chair of Trustees, Sir Bob Murray, reflected on another excellent year for the charity.

Full Story: Click Here

Elsewhere in December

On International Volunteer Day we welcomed staff from Barclays who completed Employee Supported Volunteering at a Wear Together session.

Our Wear Together and Seated Chair Exercise participants took part in a festive baking session in the Ministry of Food Kitchen, making Chocolate Tear-and-Share Christmas Trees.

Foundation of Light staff were on hand to deliver a Christmas Family Fun Day for Gentoo Homes customers at the Beacon of Light.