Press release – 10 January 2025
A community group from King’s Cross, London, has raised hundreds of pounds for people affected by the conflict in Gaza and other crises around the world. BridgeLink Foundation held a charity football match to raise vital funds and awareness of the issues displaced people are facing globally, donating some of the money raised to the international disaster relief charity, ShelterBox.
ShelterBox specialises in emergency shelter, supporting people affected by disaster and conflict across the world. As well as shelter it also supplies essential items like water filters, mosquito nets, and solar lights to people who have had to flee their homes with very little.
More than 100 people attended the match, with people sharing their support for the cause.
Shelley Paterson organised the event with BridgeLink co-founder Lois Sarkodie. Shelley says: “We had such a great turn out. The atmosphere at the ground was amazing. The match was great fun, though this wasn’t any ordinary football game.
“Our aim was to create awareness and direct action, supporting people who have been uprooted by crises. In Sudan, Congo, and Palestine, countless families live with the daily reality of displacement and insecurity.
“Together, through our shared compassion and generosity, we can provide resources like food, shelter, education, and mental health support to help people rebuild their lives.
“ShelterBox’s work in Gaza has been tireless and impactful. We’re so pleased we can support its work.”
Every disaster and conflict is different, so ShelterBox tailors its aid to each response, so people get the aid they need. In Gaza, the charity’s focus is emergency shelter like tents and tarpaulins, and blankets, water carriers, and kitchen sets.
As well as the Middle East, ShelterBox is supporting people affected by the conflict in Sudan. The charity has supported people fleeing the conflict with items like tarpaulins and rope to help with the construction of temporary shelters, as well as solar lights, mosquito nets, and blankets.
Communtiy Fundraising Assistant at ShelterBox, John Stanbury says: “We are so grateful to Shelley, Lois, and all their collaborators on Play for Peace, for taking this inspiring idea and making it happen in such a wonderful way.
“The money raised will help us to reach more people with shelter and essential items after disaster.
“Also, the incredible energy and good feeling surrounding the event will have a lasting impact on all the causes championed. Thank you to everyone involved.”
As well as ShelterBox, funds from the event were donated to the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and World Vision.
To find out more about ShelterBox and its responses across the world visit shelterbox.org.
ENDS
For more information contact the press office at ShelterBox via [email protected].
Notes to Editors
- Images and captions included
- Interviews available on request
About ShelterBox
ShelterBox provides emergency shelter and other essential items to families who have lost their homes to disasters. With operational headquarters in Cornwall, the charity also has 13 affiliate organisations worldwide.
The charity has been Rotary International’s project partner in disaster relief since 2012. ShelterBox has supported more than 3 million people since it was founded in 2000. www.shelterbox.org.
