Campaign to support communities with cost-of-living crisis  

‘Small Change, Big Difference’ aims to raise money to support communities across Sunderland, South Tyneside and Country Durham who are increasingly feeling the impact of the cost-of-living crisis and rising energy costs.

Recent studies have shown that the North East has the highest rate of child poverty anywhere in the UK, with almost two-fifths of children in the region living in poverty and 60% of children living in the 25% of most disadvantaged wards in the country.

In Sunderland in particular, where the Foundation of Light is based, nearly 40% of the city’s population live in relative poverty – one of the highest rates in Europe.

The impact of the continuing energy price rises over recent years is set to have a devastating impact on the poorest in our communities as bills have increased by 12% in October 2021 and by a further 54% in April 2022, with the average energy bill forecast to hit £4,347 come April 2023, causing many households to struggle to heat their homes and make heartbreaking choices. It is estimated that that 26% of an older adults weekly basic pension will be used on energy costs this winter.

Coupled with food costs increasing from 5.2% to 8.3% since January 2022, and inflation rising to over 10%, further strain is being put on family's' income across North East communities.

The Foundation wants to tackle those statistics, encouraging Sunderland AFC fans and members of the public to donate a small amount each month – if they can - to make a big difference to the lives of local people.

The campaign set to raise thousands for the charity at a time when charitable giving is critical to supporting frontline projects to continue, with monthly donations supporting a number of activities including:

• £2.50 a month enables us to provide a safe, warm space with a hot drink and something to eat for those struggling to heat their homes
• £4 a month contributes to providing a food pack to teach a family how to cook a healthy meal on a budget
• £5 a month supports an older adult to attend a full week of activities to keep them warm, socially and physically active
• £10 a month provides a child in receipt of free school meals with food and activities during the school holidays

Talking about Small Change, Big Difference, Foundation of Light Chief Executive Lesley Spuhler OBE DL said: “Times are increasingly tough for many across the country, and we are seeing more and more families needing support and help, whether it’s food during the school holidays, a place to keep warm or support to find work and learning opportunities.

“We are working hard to provide front line support across Sunderland, South Tyneside and Country Durham in some of the most deprived areas of the UK. Young and old, the cost-of-living crisis does not discriminate, and we are seeing a rise in demand for a number of our programmes, at a time when our funding opportunities and charitable giving is falling.

“Small Change, Big Difference has a simple message; by donating a small amount, or whatever you can, each month, you can make a real and life-changing difference to children, older people and families across the region.”

The campaign has been backed by Sunderland AFC who have dedicated their upcoming Open Training Session at the Stadium of Light on 25^th October to the fundraising for the Foundation.

Information about the campaign and how fans can help will also be shown across match day screens and advertising boards.

Donations can be made via our donation page, with a monthly direct debit taking less than two minutes to set-up.

*Research sources include End Child Poverty – July 2022, Sunderland City Council 2021 and The Guardian, October 2022