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, the official charity of Sunderland AFC, is delighted to reveal details of a special Christmas appeal as part of the Wear One campaign.
This festive season, the Foundation is extending its support to Sunderland’s most vulnerable by partnering with local charities Love Amelia and Sunderland Foodbank.
In the spirit of the Wear One initiative, the Christmas campaign has been aptly renamed "Wear One for Everyone," with the goal of bringing warmth and care to families and individuals in need.
The Beacon of Light, home to the Foundation of Light, will serve as a dedicated Christmas drop-off point for donations, encouraging fans, supporters, and community members to participate in the season of giving.
By collecting essential items for Love Amelia and Sunderland Foodbank, the Foundation is amplifying the Wear One campaign's message to unite the community and ensure no one goes without during the festive season.
"We know that Christmas can be an especially difficult time for many families," said Foundation of Light Managing Director Jamie Wright.
"Through the ‘Wear One for Everyone’ appeal, we're asking our community to rally together, show their Sunderland spirit, and make a difference for those who need it most. By donating items at the Beacon of Light, supporters can directly help local families and individuals who are struggling this season."

How to Get Involved
From now through to Christmas, the Beacon of Light will have a Love Amelia Gift Tag Tree in reception, for visitors to take a tag and buy a gift for the recipient on the tag.
The venue will also be accepting donations, including essential items such as clothing, toiletries, and children’s gifts. The collection will directly support Love Amelia, a charity that provides resources for young families.
The Beacon of Light will also continue to be a collection point for Sunderland Foodbank, which offers critical food supplies to those facing hardship. Over two tonnes of food have already been donated.
Items most needed:
Drop-off Details:
Both Love Amelia and Sunderland Foodbank play critical roles in addressing child poverty and food insecurity in the area. With nearly a third of Sunderland's children living in poverty, these donations are crucial in making a difference in their lives and giving hope and joy to local families this Christmas.
Foundation of Light invites all supporters, fans, and community members to join us in this mission to bring festive warmth and cheer to those who need it most.
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.