Sunderland AFC stars helped to raise more than £36,000 for the club’s charity yesterday (November 24)
To raise money, the stars took part in a fashion show named Fashion Strikes. The show took place at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light and was part of a carnival-themed event to raise money for the Foundation of Light. The evening included fire breathers, contortionists and stilt walkers. The main event however, was the catwalk which saw footballers strut their stuff alongside members of the under 21s team, SAFC Ladies captain Steph Bannon and goalkeeper Rachael Laws.
The team were also joined by young people who have taken part in sport, health, education and community programmes run by the Foundation of Light – just a handful of the 42,000 it helps each year.
Funds for the charity were also raised with a silent auction that included special signed memorabilia from Brazilian football legend Pele, and La Liga stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Suarez.
Set up in 2001 by former club Chairman Sir Bob Murray CBE, Foundation of Light aims to educate and inspire young people and their families across the North East, and is committed to addressing issues within the community. The annual catwalk show, Fashion Strikes, is the charity’s flagship fundraising event, and has raised thousands of pounds in previous years.
Lesley Spuhler, Foundation of Light’s chief executive said: “Fashion Strikes is one of the Foundation of Light’s most popular fundraising events and, with the support of the club, players and sponsors, this year has been our biggest yet. A huge thank you to everyone involved in making this event possible – the proceeds from which will have a real impact on local communities.”
