The foundation’s innovative ways have turned the charity virtual, allowing them to keep kicking their goals for the community.

Coronavirus restrictions have meant a huge decrease in fundraising for nearly all charities, yet there has been a momentous increase in the need for such organisations and support, as people have battled food poverty and mental health decline over the course of the pandemic.

Set up in 2012 by former owner and chairman of Huddersfield Town, Dean Hoyle, the organisation has grown to provide 41 breakfast clubs for school children across Kirklees. Feeding 1.7 million breakfasts since the start.

The foundation also runs many other projects and grants supporting all members of the community. These include; Primary Stars, Premier Kicks helping children vulnerable to gang and knife Crime, Funding grants supporting children coming out of the care system as well as Sporting Memory sessions, initially set up for those suffering from dementia to chat together, especially about any sports related topics; Yet, it has expanded to anyone feeling lonely, isolated or struggling form other mental health issues, over the age of 50.

This year, it is believed that the foundation has lost out on £100,000 in fundraising. Although some of the programmes run by the foundation are funded by the premier league, the breakfast club is completely self funded and costs £140,000 a year - a whopping 71% of funds lost to the pandemic.

Town fans did show their loyalty to both the team and their community by donating over £13,500 in the first appeal for support after having to stop all fundraising events last year, directly to the foundation’s just giving page (https://www.justgiving.com/HuddersfieldTownFoundation) Where, just £10 will feed 20 children breakfast. The foundation also introduced meal donation vouchers  after finding people donate to charity in lieu of buying gifts. These are £5 and provide a child breakfast for 3 weeks whilst at school.

Charities have had no choice but to adapt their ways of both fundraising and how they provide the help that they do . Lisa Bottomley, fundraising coordinator of the Town Foundation said “We could either stop and do nothing and see how things pan out or we can change things to digital and virtual events.” As a charity that is extremely community based and hands on in their approach, the changes to be in line with government restrictions were huge yet crucial.

The foundation originally had places in the Great North run but, as this could not take place, they decided to do a virtual run in relay style, where people were encouraged to run individually - meeting lockdown restrictions, but as a part of the foundation team, raising over £3,500.

The Big Sleep Out is the foundation’s largest event on the calendar, being held annually in support of local organisations that tackle homelessness as well as food poverty, addiction issues and other mental health related problems. In the first 3 years a staggering £130,000 has been raised for the community making it an event too important to miss out upon. Usually held at the John Smith’s stadium and sees supporters camped out under the stars along side the pitch, this year was   a whole new ball game. Marking the 4th sleep out, the event was held virtually as people took part from their own gardens. Over £7,500 was raised with 50% of funds going to the community organisations and 50% going to the breakfast club.

The community aspect of both those whom the charities support as well as those taking part in such an event, is of great importance to the foundation. The Big Sleep Out wasn’t just about raising money but bringing people together. Fiona said, “It was extremely important to us to keep that community spirit going, even though we weren’t all together.” This was done in a number of ways, sending out goody bags to participants, producing a Spotify list for everyone to listen to whilst camping out, an emoji quiz and of course the virtual live show.

Goody bag sent out to all participants

Photo credit: Karen Douglas

The live show included interviews with the beneficiaries from last year’s Big Sleep Out, highlighting the importance of adapting the means of fundraising even more strongly. Fiona said, “Speaking to them, it made me realise we had done the right thing. They’ve seen a huge increase in service users.” For example, the funds raised will help get more people on the phones and zoom calls directly supporting those at the Basement Recovery programme.

Next year will be the foundation’s 10th birthday, for which hopefully everyone will be back at the stadium in celebration of the great achievements the foundation have accomplished over the past decade.

By Lucy von Emloh

The Big Sleep Out 2020 at the John Smith’s stadium

Photo credit: @thornhilldental

James Tattersfield taking part in the Big Sleep out 2021 from his garden

Photo credit: @jamesthornhillt