The meals, equating to 170 tonnes of food, will be funded by a joint £100,000 donation from Manchester United Football Club and its charitable foundation, with fans also invited to contribute.

The campaign marks the second consecutive year that Manchester United Foundation has partnered with FareShare GM, the local branch of the UK’s biggest food charity that diverts food donations to front line charities and schools.

John Shiels MBE, Chief Executive, Manchester United Foundation, said: “Last winter, we saw a huge number of people in need of support across Greater Manchester and we don’t expect this year to be any different as the pandemic continues to cause a severe strain on society and the economy.

“We are delighted to see the United family coming together again to support FareShare Greater Manchester; the work they do to help families in need is incredible and we hope our donation will go some way to making Christmas special for the recipients.” 

Collette Roche, Chief Operating Officer, Manchester United, said: “We are proud of the work Manchester United Foundation does to support our local community and this has never been more important than it is now with so many households facing a tough winter.

“Manchester United is pleased to be making this joint donation with the Foundation to FareShare Greater Manchester and we invite our fans to unite with us behind this crucial cause.” 

Miranda Kaunang, Head of Development at FareShare Greater Manchester said: “We’re extremely grateful for the ongoing support from Manchester United FC and Foundation. Given the highly challenging circumstances many local families and individuals are facing this winter, it is vitally important that the communities we serve are helped as much as possible.”

Over the past 18 months, Manchester United Foundation has also forged positive relationships with Manchester United Supporters’ Trust (MUST), The Red Army and Manchester United Women Supporters’ Club (MUWSC), and these fan groups will each be engaging with the Santa’s Red Helpers appeal this winter to make it a truly united effort. Meanwhile, many of the club’s 240+ official Supporters’ Clubs around the world will be supporting charities in their own communities to give the campaign global reach.

Other elements of the campaign include Foundation-funded Christmas activities and parties for young people at partner schools and projects across Greater Manchester.

Manchester United players have also lent their support by wrapping presents, signing items and recording messages for fans and patients at local hospitals.

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