Foundation of Light Chairman and Founder, Sir Bob Murray, reflects on 2022 and the work of the Foundation to support local families and communities during a challenging year.
As we celebrate Christmas with our wonderful Carols of Light event and start to look forward to the New Year, this is the perfect time to take a moment to reflect on the many successes and challenges of the last year.
For over twenty years, the Foundation of Light has used the power of football to tackle some of our region’s biggest societal challenges, inspiring thousands of local people of all ages and from all backgrounds to live happier, healthier and more prosperous lives. This focus and commitment has never been more important.
Whilst life has returned to normal for many of us since the peak of the pandemic, many others within our community find themselves in further difficult times because of the war in Ukraine, the cost-of-living crisis and now recession. For those who were already living in challenging circumstances, their need is greater than ever before, and the Foundation is determined to be there for them.
The last twelve months has seen the Foundation continue to support the most vulnerable in our society, bridging the gap between our communities and front-line services, which are subject to increasingly testing times in the current economic climate.
Sadly, this year, we have seen the North East top the table for child poverty across the UK; with one in three children living in poverty – the highest rate in the country and one of the highest rates in Europe. The current economic crisis and further cuts to public services is set to continue to have a devastating impact on more parts of our community. Poverty does not discriminate, and it will make an impact for generations.
Every day we hear and see the real-life effects of rising inflation, the energy crisis and the soaring cost of living on people in our region; one in four families have fallen into fuel poverty this winter, with many more thousands turning to food banks and public buildings for necessities such as food and warmth for the first time. These statistics are heart-breaking. They are why our Foundation matters now more than ever before.
At the core of our ethos is to innovate and develop our services to align with the current needs of our community. With that in mind, we have developed several new initiatives this year to tackle the cost-of-living crisis and introduced new programmes in health and social care, Esports and history and heritage.
While we work across communities, the Beacon of Light is central to our work and it’s amazing that we have welcomed over 200,000 people through its doors since August 2021. This further demonstrates the crucial role the building plays in the heart of the community and its impact in turning dreams into reality.
In addition to the people visiting every day, 2022 also saw the Beacon host an ultimate free summer holiday activity experience for over 1,500 families at the Foundation’s Community Fun Day, which featured a range of fun, inclusive and family friendly activities.
The Beacon is also now also a welcoming warm space and a foodbank, offering vital services to anyone in need.
The hard work and dedication of our staff continues to inspire me as they deliver ground-breaking sports, health, community and education programmes. Through their commitment and passion for making a difference, we continually embed ourselves into the fabric and heart of the North East community. Our team of dedicated professionals are simply awesome.
In 2021/2022 the Foundation of Light has:
There will unfortunately be more difficult times ahead but the North East is a resilient and caring place, and it is heartening to see what can be achieved when people come together in a common cause.
In closing, I would like to wholeheartedly thank all our partners for their unwavering and vital support. I would particularly like to thank Sunderland AFC Chairman, Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and all the team at Sunderland AFC for their continued commitment and collaboration. Since Kyril joined the Board of Trustees last year he has worked hard to bring the Club and Foundation closer together ensuring that the needs of the community are once again at the heart of the club’s long-term vision.
I would also like to reiterate my very heartfelt thanks to all our funders and supporters for everything you have done and continue to do to help our communities. Your support is life changing to so many and truly does light up the lives of local people every day.
Wishing you all a very merry Christmas and a happy and healthy 2023.
Sir Bob Murray CBE
Chairman, Foundation of Light
If you would like to donate to support our work, visit our donation page. It takes less than 2 minutes to set up a monthly direct debit, with as little as £2.50 a month helping your community by providing a warm-space and a cup of tea for those in need this winter.
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