Trai Hume hails 'amazing' work of Foundation of Light ahead of anniversary matchday
“You don’t understand the impact it has on the city until you actually come here and see it first-hand - it’s amazing”
Sunderland AFC defender Trai Hume has praised the Foundation of Light’s impact on the city as the club’s official charity celebrates its 25th anniversary.
Trai, who joined the Black Cats in January 2022, was speaking ahead of SAFC’s game against Leeds United on Sunday October 25, which has been dedicated to celebrating a quarter-of-a-century of the Foundation’s work in supporting disadvantaged people in Sunderland and the wider region.
Since its formation in 2001, the Foundation has used the power of football to “inspire, educate and support people of all ages across Sunderland, South Tyneside and County Durham”.
Trai said: “25 years is an amazing milestone for the Foundation and one they fully deserve. When I first sat here as a Sunderland player, I didn’t know about the Foundation, but I realised very quickly how important it is, not just for the club, but for the city.
“Every time you see the Gala Dinner, you see the impact that it has. At the end of season awards, we have our Community Player of the Season, which I think Luke and Dan have won over the last couple of years.
“You don’t understand the impact it has on the city until you actually come here and see it first-hand - it’s amazing.”
Reflecting on his own experiences with the Foundation, Trai highlighted a special moment from last season when he and fellow defender Dan Ballard helped make a young supporter’s dream come true.
The pair surprised young fan Toby Patterson with news that he would be a mascot for Sunderland’s Premier League fixture against Brighton and Hove Albion, giving him the opportunity to walk out at the Stadium of Light alongside his heroes.
Toby, a Sunderland and Northern Ireland supporter, had been through a difficult period in his life, making the experience all the more meaningful.
Trai said: “One especially from last year was young mascot, Toby. He was a Northern Ireland and Sunderland supporter. He had to go through something very difficult in his life and all he wanted to do was be a mascot for a game.
“He got to walk out with me and Dan at one of the games. I think that stands out because sometimes as a player you’re focused on the game, you’re not really thinking too much about the mascots and other things around the game.
“As a footballer you know the impact that you have, negative or positive in games, but when you come to the Foundation, you leave here happier than when you came. They lift the mood.”
The experience is one example of how the Foundation’s work extends beyond the pitch, “creating memorable moments and opportunities that can have a lasting impact on people’s lives”.
As the charity marks a quarter-of-a-century of supporting the North East community, Hume believes the milestone is an opportunity to recognise everyone who has contributed to its journey.
He added: “The Foundation is very special and to be celebrating 25 years, it’s just a credit to everyone that has been on that journey. Hopefully there’s many more to come.
“It absolutely deserves the recognition this weekend. Not just for the football club, but what the Foundation does for the whole city is amazing. I’m sure as players and staff, will definitely give them a good applause and recognition.”