Walsall families fed over Christmas due to football fundraising efforts
Hundreds of families in Walsall have been fed this Christmas due to the fundraising efforts of Saddlers supporters.
The Walsall Supporters' Alliance joined forced with volunteer group Walsall Outreach to raise funds to feed families in need over the festive period.
Originally aiming to raise £300, fans help to raise £1,134 to help Walsall Outreach deliver meals to people across the borough.
WSA chairman Rob Harvey also helped the group deliver some meals on Monday.
Maz Surti, Project Lead at Walsall Outreach, said “This year has been a challenging year for so many people. With the support we’ve received from Rob and his fundraising we were able to make a difference to so many families and individuals struggling this Christmas.
“Overall we delivered 150 meals over the festive period. On Christmas day we delivered 65 lunches with a further 85 lunches delivered on Bank Holiday Monday to the most needy, vulnerable and elderly within Walsall.
"We would like to thank Rob and the Walsall Supporters’ Alliance and all of their supporters who’ve rallied around the community during this difficult time. Our volunteers have worked tirelessly to make this a memorable Christmas for so many families.”
Alongside Walsall supporters, members of non-league football also helped Walsall Outreach hand out gifts this Christmas.
Organised by Nuneaton Borough assistant manager Steve Hinks, Black Country football clubs donated to a toy appeal throughout December.
Maz Surti added: "We would like to thank the non-league community for rallying around us and bringing together 600 brand new gifts which were all wrapped and given out to families, children and the elderly during this difficult time. We also received a substantial amount of toy vouchers and financial donations.
"We’ve received some incredible support from Rushall Olympic, former footballers, current footballers, coaches and small youth football teams.
"The toys were also distributed to St Gabriel's Church to be handed to Acorns, women's refuge centres, hostels, other community groups and individual families highlighted to us by the council."
