Derry City FC backs Foyle Network Foundation and Foyle Foodbank’s Big Give appeal to help feed children this summer

The Brandywell club is helping to raise awareness of the fundraising campaign to provide food for children attending summer schemes and youth clubs this summer.

The campaign forms part of the Big Give during Small Charity Week, which runs from June 22 to June 29. During that period, every donation made to the appeal via a special online link will be doubled, until the target is hit.

Funds raised will help Foyle Foodbank provide food support to children attending summer programmes across Derry during the school holidays.

Following the success of a pilot scheme last summer, demand has increased significantly, with 27 youth clubs and community organisations now seeking support to help provide meals and healthy snacks for children throughout the summer months.

Representatives from Foyle Foodbank recently visited Derry City FC’s training base at Owenbeg to meet players and staff and thank the club for its support of the campaign.

Patricia O’Donnell, Fundraiser with Foyle Network Foundation, said Derry City FC had been a valued supporter of the organisation for many years.

“We are incredibly grateful to Derry City Football Club for getting behind our Big Give appeal and helping us spread the word about the campaign.

“The club has been a long-standing supporter of Foyle Network Foundation and Foyle Foodbank and has helped us raise vital funds for people and families across our city over many years.

“We were delighted to visit Owenbeg and meet with the players and staff. It was a great opportunity to tell them more about the appeal and the difference it will make to children and families this summer.

“Last year we worked with a number of youth clubs and community organisations to help provide food for children attending summer schemes and the response was incredible. This year demand has grown significantly and we have received requests from 27 groups across the city.

“For many families, the summer holidays can bring added financial pressure. Through this campaign, we want to help ensure that children attending summer programmes have access to healthy food and nutritious meals.

“The fantastic thing about the Big Give is that every donation made between June 22 and June 29 will be doubled until the target is hit, meaning supporters can have twice the impact and help us reach even more children and families.

“We want to thank everyone at Derry City Football Club for their continued support and for helping us raise awareness of this important campaign.”

The Big Give campaign runs from 12pm on Monday, June 22 to 5pm on Monday, June 29 as part of this year’s Small Charity Week.

Anyone wishing to support the appeal can donate during the campaign period at https://donate.biggive.org/campaign/a05WS00000CnOFBYA3

With every pound donated being doubled to help provide food for children attending summer schemes and youth clubs across the city this summer, the Big Give campaign is a brilliant opportunity for citizens to support local young people and their families.