Stewart Donald, Charlie Methven and Juan Sartori have linked arms with hundreds of Sunderland AFC fans and joined the Gift of Football campaign.

Since the initiative was devised and launched by SAFC fan Simon Baty last Friday, over 500 tickets had already been donated to the Foundation of Light for distribution to fans struggling to afford to attend the Boxing Day fixture against Bradford City.

Now, with Donald, Methven and Satori purchasing 50 adult tickets each, the scheme is stepping up a gear, the aim being to reach 2,000 tickets bought in total.

Sunderland AFC’s chairman, Stewart Donald, said: “We have seen an amazing response to this initiative over the weekend and it’s only right that Charlie, Juan and I play our part by each donating 50 tickets.

“Christmas should be a time for family and friends, yet for so many it can be one of the hardest periods of the year. Our fans are known for their generous spirit and the response so far has been overwhelming. We’d love to see more fans and even businesses get involved. By working together, we really can make a difference to our community.”

Executive director, Charlie Methven, said: “This is the One Club philosophy in action: all parts of the SAFC community coming together to have a good time and achieve things.

“There will be many who simply cannot contribute, and we fully understand that, but we urge those who can do so to help make this Christmas really special for those in less fortunate circumstances.”

GET INVOLVED



Supporters wishing to take part in the initiative can purchase special donation tickets via the online box office.

Follow the link below and choose the ‘FoL Donation’ option. You will then be prompted to enter the number of tickets you wish to buy and the price (chose donation 1 for £22 tickets and donation 2 for £25 tickets)

>>> Online Box Office

Once you have completed the transaction your donated tickets will be given directly to Foundation of Light.