By Chris Cornford
This year, to give something back to the people of Sandown, Lake and the surrounding areas, Sandown Football Club (SFC) started their Community Support Project with the aim to raise money for good causes, including families in need and elderly people that might be isolated.
Speaking about the project, Rob Iley said: “We wanted to give something back to the community and it was decided that the first project would be the Christmas Food Box Appeal. This will be the first of many projects where we aim to help the people of Sandown and Lake.” He added his thanks to the many supporters of the project, both individuals and businesses.
Through players, family, friends, club sponsors and local businesses and organisations, together with a donation from SFC, club funds were raised in excess of £2,000 to buy food and create food parcels for Christmas.
One of the biggest issues was finding the right people to help to make sure the food parcels went to the right people. To solve this problem the project partnered with The Bay, Broadlea Primary and Brading Primary, Godshill and Chillerton Schools, Sandown and Lake Methodist Churches and The Christ Church in Sandown.
The result was 134 food parcels sent out, which helped 204 adults and 367 children to make their Christmases more festive than they would have been. The parcels included everyday products such as toiletries, tinned food, jams, pastas, crisps and treats as well as mince pies and Christmas puddings.
SFC club secretary, Steve Berry, said: “A lot of the committee and players either carry out work in the community already or have connections with charitable organisations. We felt it would be good to do something as a club.”
Chairman, Martin Groves, added: “ It was a great effort by the club, in addition to the food parcels we were also able to donate £750 of stock to local foodbanks which will help even more families across the Island.”
Carrie-Anne Cartmel, from The Bay Academy, welcomed the project: “Our families need support more than ever at this time of year so it was wonderful that, with the help of Sandown FC, we have been able to support so many more of them,” she said.
Her comments were echoed by Macala Graham, of Broadlea Primary School, who added: “This time of year is difficult for our families who may be struggling. The support of Sandown FC has made it a little bit easier. We thank you so much.”
Press Release