CHRISTMAS FOODBANK APPEAL

Dundee United will be hosting a foodbank collection at the match versus Livingston on Saturday 23 December, two days ahead of Christmas. The festive season, happy for many, is often a difficult period for struggling families. In 2017, this already challenging time is further overshadowed by the current rolling out of Universal Credit, the controversial UK-wide social security benefit which can leave claimants without means for a period of six weeks.

Pitched against this stark backdrop, the Club’s 2017 Christmas Foodbank Appeal is set to catch the imagination of both United and Livingston fans.

The campaign has already attracted massive support and is carried by both clubs and their respective community trusts, as well as by ArabTRUST, ULT, Taught by Muhammad and Dundee Foodbank.

Dundee United Club Captain Willo Flood said: “Nobody should have to go hungry in a country like this and it is shocking how many people have no other choice but to go to a foodbank, especially this Christmas. I would ask everybody to get behind this appeal to help the most vulnerable in our society.”

Rizwan Rafik, Operations Manager at Taught by Muhammad, stated: "This time of year many people have to choose between heating and eating. It's great to see everyone working together regardless of their faith, background and race to help those in need within our community".

Michael Calder, Stock Coordinator of Dundee Foodbank added:  “We’re very grateful to Dundee Utd for their continued support. This year we face the added pressure of Universal Credit - since the new system kicked in last month, Dundee Foodbank has seen a marked increase in referrals putting great demand on our stock levels. We kindly request anyone who can, to donate food or money prior to the big match to stop families going hungry this festive season.”

Gavin Muir, ArabTRUST Chairman said: “At this time of year when many families are struggling to cope, ArabTRUST are happy to be able to play a small part in trying to help. All we ask is that as many people as possible bring something along to support those in real need in our community.”

Echoing the above, Jamie Kirk, Head of Operations at the Dundee United Community Trust declared: “I’m delighted that Dundee United Community Trust is supporting such a worthwhile initiative again.  There’s a strong track record of the United Family pulling together for the good of the community and I’m sure this will be no different.”

Backing the campaign, Andrew Cowan from West Lothian Youth Foundation, speaking on behalf of Livingston Football Club, added: “West Lothian Youth Foundation and Livingston FC are delighted to support the foodbank collection at the upcoming fixture with Dundee United. The power of football is a wonderful thing and it is great to see clubs working together to benefit the wider community.”

Items to donate:
Breakfast cereal / UHT milk  / coffee / tea / sugar
Tinned meat / vegetables / fruit / soups / fish / puddings /   
Dried pasta / pasta sauce  
Biscuits / treats for kids
Toiletries  - particularly shampoo, soap and shower gel
Money - there will be donation buckets at the food collection points. There is also a Justgiving Page for fans wishing to donate remotely.
Please note that alcohol and chocolates containing alcohol are not suitable.

Locations:
Bottom of Eddie Thompson Stand ramp 
Entrance to George Fox Stand 
Entrance to Jerry Kerr Stand
Entrance to West Stand (away fans) 
Also, we hope to confirm details for additional pre-matchday collection points in the run-up to the game.