English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur was spreading some love to their local community on European football’s biggest stage earlier today.
In their UEFA Champions League group stage match against Sporting Clube de Portugal at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, Spurs sported special edition home kits with the logo of Tottenham Foodbank on the back, below the players’ numbers.
“To be able to wear the Tottenham Foodbank logo on the back of our shirts on the biggest of stages on Wednesday night is a huge show of support from the Club and its players to an organisation that delivers so much for local people most in need,” said Spurs captain and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris on the club’s website. “We know our fans are huge supporters of the local foodbanks as well and, with an audience of millions watching us and seeing the shirt, we aim to raise even further awareness of this fantastic cause ahead of a tough winter ahead for so many.”
“The Club’s continued support of Tottenham Foodbank has been instrumental, enabling us to provide help within our local community. Having our logo on the players’ backs is not only a visual symbol of this support, but also a great opportunity to raise awareness of our important work. Long-term support is what we need to ensure we can help our vulnerable neighbours,” added Tottenham Foodbank manager Tonye Philemon.
According to Tottenham Hotspur, one foodbank parcel is handed out every 13 seconds in the United Kingdom. The emergency food parcels handed out by Tottenham Foodbank to individuals and families in North London contain at least three days’ worth of nutritionally balanced meals. In the last six months alone, the Foodbank has seen demand for their services increase 55%.
Wearing the logo on Wednesday is part of a larger partnership between the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation, the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust and Tottenham Foodbank. Fans can donate via text message, and Foodbank volunteers regularly collect donations outside the stadium on matchdays. The club promotes the Foodbank at home matches and on social media, and they donate items for local families living in crisis every Christmas.
This winter, Tottenham Foodbank is also attempting to raise £100,000 to provide fuel vouchers to vulnerable people and families.