Fans urged to support Derry City matchday food drive for Foyle Foodbank
Supporters attending the Dundalk clash can donate food, cash or card payments at the Brandywell to help local families ahead of Christmas
Foyle Foodbank is teaming up with Derry City Football Club for a matchday Food Drive this Friday, October 23, ahead of the Candystripes' clash with Dundalk at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.
Supporters attending Friday night's match are being encouraged to donate essential food items or make a financial contribution to help Foyle Foodbank support individuals and families across the city in the lead-up to Christmas.
Volunteers will be at collection points outside the stadium ahead of kick-off, accepting donations of food, cash and card payments.
The appeal comes as Foyle Foodbank prepares for one of the busiest periods of the year, with continued pressure on household finances leaving many people across Derry struggling to meet everyday living costs.
Derry City FC and its supporters have been long-standing supporters of Foyle Foodbank and played a major part in supporting the organisation's Summer Food Appeal earlier this year.
Patricia O'Donnell, Fundraiser at Foyle Network Foundation, said: “We're delighted to be teaming up with Derry City FC once again for what is always an important collection for Foyle Foodbank.
“As we approach Christmas, we know that many families across our city are facing difficult financial pressures, and the demand for support from our services remains high, and the support of the public is vital in delivering our work.
“Derry City FC and its supporters were a huge help to us during our Summer Food Appeal, and we're extremely grateful for the continued generosity they have shown to Foyle Foodbank over many years.
“Last year's matchday collection raised over £2000 and 83kg of food, which made a real difference to our work in the lead-up to Christmas. We're hoping supporters will get behind us again this Friday night.
“Our volunteers will be outside the stadium accepting food donations, as well as cash and card payments. Every contribution, no matter how small, will help us support people across the city.”
Lawrence Moore from Derry City Football Club added: “Derry City FC is delighted to continue our support for Foyle Foodbank and the important work they carry out across our city.
“Our supporters have always been incredibly generous when it comes to helping local causes, and we saw that again during the Summer Food Appeal earlier this year which helped ensure thousands of children attending summer schemes had healthy meals.
“As a community football club, we recognise how important it is to support organisations like Foyle Foodbank, particularly at a time of year when many families are facing additional pressures.
“We would encourage everyone coming to the Ryan McBride Brandywell on Friday night to bring along a donation if they can and help make this another successful collection.”
The Food Drive takes place ahead of the Candystripes' last home league game of the season against Dundalk on Friday, October 23 at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.