£100,000 Barclays boost for Sunderland AFC's Foundation of Light

Barclays announced a £100m Community Aid Package earlier this year to support charities helping people and communities most impacted by COVID-19.

The £100,000 funding will help the Foundation of Light to connect with 5,000 households in Sunderland, South Tyneside and County Durham over four months.

Thousands of care packages will be created to include food packages and resources for families/individuals experiencing financial strain, including access to free online cooking courses, as well as access to free weekly challenges to encourage people to stay active whilst staying safe.

Foundation Chief Executive Lesley Spuhler OBE said: “The £100,000 funding from Barclays comes at a critical time for us and for the region.

"COVID-19 has struck right to the heart of our communities and its impact will be felt for years to come as thousands of people and families across the region face social and

economic uncertainty.

“Our region has some of the poorest communities in the country. Since the crisis hit in March, we have been working incredibly hard to support some the most vulnerable and ensure we can keep them physically and mentally active.

"It is absolutely imperative we continue to help those who most in need; not only those in deprived areas who are facing an incredibly tough winter, but also those who have found themselves financially insecure as a direct result of the COVID-19 crisis.

“As our charity partner, Barclays will play a huge part in ensuring we can continue our life- changing and critical work with these communities during the tough winter months.”

Judith Richardson, Barclays Relationship Director, said: “This crisis has had an unprecedented impact across the UK and we know this is an incredibly challenging time for many in the North East region.

“As a proud member of our community, we are doing everything we can for our customers,

clients and colleagues, and we hope that our partnership with the Foundation of Light will

allow many others to access the help they need as this crisis develops.”

If you require support, you can contact the Foundation of Light in confidence by calling 563 4777.

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