Footy fans score fundraising goals for Caritas

We were really thrilled to be scoring fundraising goals at a pre-match gathering of local Manchester United fans this weekend.

The fundraiser, organised by Manchester United’s very own ‘Mr Miyagi’ Ying-Hoi Soo, was held before and after Sunday’s game against Arsenal and aimed to raise much-needed funds for our work supporting people experiencing homelessness, specifically at our Cornerstone Centre.

The fundraising was supported by Hotel Football who generously offered to match-fund every pound raised on the day.

Our work supports thousands of people across Greater Manchester and Lancashire who are experiencing poverty, homelessness and discrimination every year, and with the cost-of-living crisis meaning demand for services is growing, fundraisers like this one are even more vital so we can continue that work.

Patrick O’Dowd, our director, said: “We can’t wait to find out exactly how much was raised at the event. It’s incredibly difficult at the moment with so many people locally experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless. Hard-working families are being stretched to the limit and finding themselves in unimaginable situations and the support of people like Ying-Hoi Soo and everyone who attended Sunday’s event is so incredibly important.

“Like all charities, we are finding it increasingly difficult to raise the funds we need to meet the growing need for help and we are determined to continue to be there for people facing acute crisis locally.

“While the game might not have given quite the result the Manchester United fans were looking for, they can hopefully be lifted by the fact their kindness and generosity will make a huge, huge difference to lives of people in our area.

“Thanks again to Ying-Hoi Soo and to the team at Hotel Football for their energy and enthusiasm. We never take support like this for granted and are really grateful.”

We’d love to hear from you if you might be able to hold fundraising activities in aid of our charity. Please get in touch: fundraising@caritassalford.org.uk