English Football League final to raise vital funds for charity

Virtual ticket sales marking Sunderland AFC’s English Football League final with Tranmere Rovers on Sunday 14 March 2021 will raise thousands of pounds for North East charities, including The Salvation Army’s Southwick Community Project that supports vulnerable people in the northwest of Sunderland.

The Black Cats’ supporters’ groups Red and White Army, the Senior Supporters Association and Sunderland AFC Branch Liaison Council teamed up with Sunderland AFC and its official charity, Foundation of Light, to create commemorative tickets for the match, with all proceeds being donated to the Southwick Community Project, the Foundation of Light, Sunderland Foodbank and Washington Mind.

The donation is part of the #SunderlandTogether campaign to support critical COVID-19 response services across the North East, helping to tackle some of the region’s biggest societal challenges including rising levels of food poverty, increased social isolation among older people, poor mental health and rising unemployment.

Fans have already raised more than £30,000 via Crowdfunder and the figure will continue to rise ahead of match day. Supporters can purchase mementos from £5 for an e-ticket, with printed keepsakes available for £10. Businesses can purchase a ‘Red and White hospitality package’ which includes printed commemorative tickets for their staff or clients. There is also an opportunity for people to win signed Sunderland AFC merchandise and other exciting prizes.

Southwick Community Project manager Graham Wharton said: “Despite the pandemic, The Salvation Army has had an incredibly busy year reaching out to people whose struggles have been exacerbated by COVID-19 and to those who would otherwise be completed isolated. We’ve been able to supply emergency food parcels, ensure struggling families had Christmas gifts for their children and carried out socially-distanced visits to our community to offer friendship and support. We’re grateful for the continued backing of Sunderland AFC and the Foundation of Light in helping us bring hope to our community in these difficult times.”

SAFC’s Chief Operating Officer, Steve Davison, said: “Throughout the pandemic, we have seen Sunderland supporters come together time and time again to help one other throughout the many unique challenges our community has faced. This is a fantastic initiative and one that as a club, we are immensely proud to support.”