More than 400 children and young people across the North East will receive a gift this Christmas thanks to an extraordinary donation to The Children’s Foundation from Washington Association Football Club.
The grassroots club has donated 410 presents to The Children’s Foundation, supporting children spending Christmas in hospital, families facing financial hardship this Christmas, and young people receiving 121 support through the charity’s youth work programmes.
The presents have been distributed to children spending the festive period on hospital wards, as well as to local schools supporting families who may otherwise be unable to provide Christmas gifts. A number of the donations will also support The Children’s Foundation’s targeted youth work, where gifts are often used to build trust, celebrate progress and encourage children to take important steps forward.
The donation was organised for the second year in a row by Gary Sykes, Head of Football and Anth Hodgson U9/ U13 coach at Washington Football Club, with every family involved in the club contributing. Gary and Anth also reached out to local sponsors and partner businesses to increase the number of gifts collected.
Bethany Cockerill, Fundraising Co-Ordinator at The Children’s Foundation, said “This is an incredible act of generosity from Washington AFC and everyone connected to the club. Collecting 410 presents takes time, coordination and real commitment, and it will make a genuine difference to children who need it most this Christmas.
“For some children, these gifts will bring comfort during a hospital stay. For others, they might be the only presents they receive this year and for the young people we support one-to-one, they represent encouragement and recognition for all their hard work. We are so grateful to Gary, the club’s players and families, sponsors and supporters for going above and beyond.”
Gary Sykes, Head of Football at Washington Football Club, added “Our club is built around community, and this was something everyone wanted to be part of again this year. The families at Washington FC were incredibly generous, and we were also really grateful to the sponsors and businesses who stepped in to help us collect even more gifts.
“Knowing these presents will support children in hospital, in schools and through The Children’s Foundation’s youth work makes all the effort worthwhile and we’re really proud to be able to play a small part in making Christmas brighter for so many children.”
The Children’s Foundation works across the North East to support babies, families and young people delivering practical support and early intervention where it is needed most.
https://thechildrensfoundation.co.uk/
https://www.washingtonafc.com/