Sunderland Stadium
Ahead of Sunderland AFC’s Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, April 12, at 2 pm, the club is calling on its supporters to bring tinned foods to the game. These donations will support the ‘Mack A Meal Service’, an initiative aimed at providing meals for those in need during the Soup Kitchen’s off-hours.
Andrea Bell said: “We are looking to collect tins of food which can be used as part of our ‘Mack A Meal Service’. The initiative provides those in need with tinned foods which can be used by people to make meals during the periods we are closed. Davy the Horsebox will be parked next to the Bob Stokoe statue. The football club teams up with the Soup Kitchen every season to help the charity stock up on supplies.”
Andrea Bell continued: “Sunderland AFC have been super-supportive. Every collection we do, there is always a great response from the fans and a great atmosphere. The collections really help to stock up our Mack a Meal supplies. The club also provide us with several sponsored season tickets which we can use to reward our volunteers and enable them to go to games. We have a fantastic relationship with the club.”
The ‘Mack A Meal Service’ is a collaborative effort between Sunderland AFC and the local Soup Kitchen, located at Albert’s Place on High Street West. The Soup Kitchen operates on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 3 pm to 4 pm, and on Sundays from midday to 1 pm, offering meals to those in need. The initiative aims to extend support beyond these hours by providing essential food items that can be used to prepare meals.
In addition to tinned foods, the Soup Kitchen’s donation wish list includes long-life milk, toiletries, tinned custard, fruit, puddings, sugar, tea, and coffee. These donations are crucial in maintaining the service’s ability to support the community effectively. The partnership with Sunderland AFC not only boosts the Soup Kitchen’s resources but also fosters a sense of community and support among the club’s fans and volunteers.
By engaging with its supporters and encouraging them to contribute, Sunderland AFC continues to demonstrate its commitment to community support and social responsibility. This initiative not only aids those in need but also strengthens the bond between the club and its fans, creating a positive impact both on and off the field.