Fans are being encouraged to donate spare and unused warm clothing to Manchester United at Saturday’s derby, for the struggling and vulnerable members of the local community.
Fans attending the match at Old Trafford against neighbours Manchester City will be invited to drop any surplus coats, hats, gloves and scarves at collection points around the stadium.
The clothing will be distributed by Manchester United Foundation to people in need across Greater Manchester, adding to the club’s ‘United by Your Side’ campaign to support the local community through the winter months as the temperatures remain low and the cost-of-living increases.
As part of the same campaign, the club is also pleased to announce that the community ‘Warm Hub’ opened in Old Trafford at the start of December will be extended for a further six weeks. The initiative has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from local people who have attended the Warm Hub in the Red Café, benefiting from a safe place to stay warm and enjoy entertainment, conversation, hot and cold drinks, and nutritious food.
The fresh schedule of Warm Hub evenings will start on Tuesday 17th January between 5-8pm, free of charge to anyone who wants to come along. People can arrive and register via the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand reception and will be guided to the Red Cafe.
Collette Roche, Manchester United’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “We know that it remains a challenging time for many people in our local community, so the Manchester derby is the ideal time for fans to come together to help those in need.
“Some people are fortunate enough to have spare coats, hats, scarves and gloves, especially after Christmas, while others are struggling to stay warm. Fans just have to bring their surplus clothing along with them to Old Trafford on Saturday and drop it off at a collection point before entering the stadium.
“We’re proud of what we’ve achieved so far through our ‘United by Your Side’ campaign, particularly with our Warm Hub evenings that have made Old Trafford a second home for local people in need of warmth or company. We’re looking forward to keeping this great initiative going throughout January and February.”
John Shiels, Chief Executive, Manchester United Foundation, said: “Winter is always a difficult time for many people as temperatures fall but it’s even more the case this year as energy prices and other living costs have risen. Everyone has been affected but it’s the most vulnerable members of our community who are hit hardest, exacerbating inequalities and social problems.
“Manchester United Foundation works all-year-round to increase opportunities for vulnerable young people, but we feel an extra responsibility during the winter. So, we’re pleased to be working with the club and fans to do what we can to ease some of the pressures facing our community.”
The club worked with Trafford Council and local charities, including Manchester Mind, to deliver these initiatives and communicate them to people who may benefit most.
