Fundraiser allows Salvation Army to expand work in Sunderland

Football fans from around the globe have raised a staggering £212,061 for Sunderland charities this season, as part of the Sunderland Together campaign. 

Created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Sunderland Together was an initiative set up by Sunderland AFC’s ‘Foundation of Light’ alongside different fan groups.

The campaign saw fans from different clubs come together to support The Salvation Army’s frontline community response work in Southwick, alongside four other charities in Sunderland, South Tyneside and County Durham.

The Southwick Community Project has been supporting people in need throughout the pandemic with food parcels, running breakfast and after-school clubs for young people, and more. Thanks to the generosity of donations, the project will receive around £50,000 to continue and expand its work.

Graham Wharton, Community Manager at Southwick Community Project, said: “As a proud Sunderland AFC supporter, I’m absolutely delighted that Mackems and people across the country have come together and donated to good causes including The Salvation Army’s work here in Sunderland.  

“Thanks to everyone’s incredible generosity, we will be able to continue our mission supporting people who are struggling, but we will also be able to expand our reach further to more who need our help. As part of this, we are going to buy a van to transport much needed essential items which will ensure we are able to meet the needs of people right across Sunderland and develop exciting new projects to support our communities.  

“The support we provide wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of the people of Sunderland and we want to say a massive thank you to everyone who has donated. The Sunderland Together campaign has been amazing and all those who have contributed have exceeded my wildest dreams. Thank you so much for your support."