Hero Niall’s praise for footballing community
Niall Quinn has praised the Sunderland football community for coming together to support four local good causes who are protecting the most vulnerable during the COVID-19 crisis.
Wearside supporters’ groups, Sunderland Branch Liaison Council, and the Red and White Army have joined forces with Sunderland AFC to launch“Sunderland Together” which aims to raise vital funds for charities tack ling food poverty, social isolation,poor mental health and unemployment.
Together they have nominatedFoundation of Light, The Salvation Army, Washington Mind and Veterans in Crisis to benefit from the campaign with all money raised being split equally between them.
Impressed by their efforts, former chairman Niall Quinn recorded a message: “It’s brilliant what you do, but I’m not surprised, because that’s the difference between Sunderland fans and ordinary fans.”
The Salvation Army supports nearly 1,000 people across Sunderland with a wide range of support services.
Washington Mind works to improve the mental health of people living in Sunderland, Washington and the Coalfields. Money raised via Sunderland Together will go towards buying a van, allowingthe charity to offer a mobile service so they can support the community as and when they need, as well as provide community outreach to challenge and end stigma around mental health. Veterans in Crisis (VICS) provides companionship and support for veterans and their families, across wide range of issues and needs.
Donations from the campaign will be used to maintain daily contact with more than 250 people and their families, providing them with the essentialsthey need, and ensure that they are in a good place to get back to normal when the pandemic is over.
The Foundation of Light uses the power of football to involve, educate and inspire people of all ages. The awardwinning charity will use the money to provide free, online training and support for those who have recently been furloughed or made redundant.The fund has so far raised £4,000 with a further £10,000 donated anonymously. You can donate at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/sunderlandtogether
Andrew Hi rd from Red and White Army said: “I am proud that the Sunderland football community is coming together to support these four fantastic causes.