"This is a fantastic initiative by Stockport County to put food on the tables of vulnerable families who may also be struggling financially due to the Coronavirus pandemic."
The campaign aims to raise £220,000 to provide food vouchers for children and lift the burden on families at what should be a special time of year.
The UK Government has agreed to provide a £170m funding package, distributed through local councils in England for free meals during the school holidays, following a high profile campaign by Manchester United footballer Marcus Rashford. However, despite the additional financial support, campaigners have raised concerns that some youngsters will still miss out.
County owner, Mark Stott, said he hopes to raise the extra funds needed through a combination of club shop sales, corporate sponsors and donations from fans.
The club has partnered with Stockport-based charity Sector 3, which brings together voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sectors, and is raising funds to be distributed to those in need.
Together, which has its headquarters in Cheadle, announced this month that it was to be the club’s official finance partner for the 2020/21 season.
The new partnership includes the creation of a schools initiative, ‘County Together’, which will deliver a roadshow educating primary school children on topics including healthy eating, regular exercise and the importance of good behaviour.
To donate to Stockport County’s Food for Christmas appeal, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/stockportfoodforchristmas.
Marc Goldberg, commercial CEO at Together, said: “It’s heart-breaking to think that children are at risk of going hungry over Christmas and this is a fantastic initiative by Stockport County to put food on the tables of vulnerable families who may also be struggling financially due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
“As a Stockport-based business, we’re proud to be involved in this important campaign, which feeds into our own company values. It will improve this year’s holiday celebrations for people in our community and I would urge my colleagues at Together and our partners to back County’s Food for Christmas appeal. I’m sure that, working together, we can make this happen.”
Mark Stott commented: “I’d like to say a huge thank you to Marc Goldberg and Together for such a generous donation towards our Food for Christmas campaign. We are delighted that our corporate partners share our community values and recognise the needs of families in the local area this Christmas.”
