Tony Mowbray and Sunderland’s AFC’s first-team players have pledged their support to Foundation of Light’s Small Change Big Change campaign.
The initiative is raising funds to support families across the region, 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.
In Sunderland in particular, nearly 40% of the city’s population live in relative poverty – one of the highest rates in Europe
Coupled with increasing food costs, further strain is put on families and the Club and Foundation want to continue to help tackle those statistics.
The Good Friday game against Hull City at the Stadium of Light will be dedicated to the Foundation, with a number of activities taking place in the stadium before the match and at half-time.
Black Cats manager Mowbray is urging supporters to get behind the cause, saying: “I’m very proud to support Foundation of Light’s Small Change Big Difference campaign and its mission to tackle child poverty.
“In this day and age, it’s awful to think of parents struggling to buy food for their children and pay bills. As a club it’s important we do what we can to support our community.”
Lesley Spuhler, Foundation of Light chief executive, added: “We’re very grateful for the support of Tony the players and to everyone for getting behind this campaign and helping us do more to improve the lives of the people we work with.”
Your Small Change can make a Big Difference:
Text FOLFIVE to 70085 to make a £5 donation or text FOLTEN to donate £10
The ’We Are Role Models’ campaign shines a light on the Foundation’s ongoing work across Sunderland, South Tyneside and County Durham, supporting boys and young men through sport, education and mentoring.
In our latest piece we catch up with Claire Bovill and Julie McCann about their volunteering experiences.
Azeem Iftikah came to the Foundation of Light to help settle in the UK after arriving as a refugee, but he is now an integral part of the Wear Together sessions at The Venue in Stanley.