Next weekend’s clash against London Irish at Franklin’s Gardens will see the Northampton Saints Foundation ‘take over’ one of the Club’s matches for the very first time.
The men in Black, Green and Gold face the Exiles in Round 16 of Gallagher Premiership action on Friday evening (kick-off: 7.45pm), but the match takes on added significance as the Saints Foundation will also take centre stage for a one-off fundraising event.
This has been an incredibly difficult year for everyone, and the Foundation is no different with their fundraising capabilities severely impacted by ongoing Covid-19 restrictions.
The charity, established in 2018, have been unable to undertake fundraising events and activities on anything like its usual scale, meanwhile referrals to Foundation programmes have significantly increased as a result of the pandemic.
Moreover, without crowds present at Franklin’s Gardens on matchdays, the Foundation’s matchday fundraising income – from activities such as bucket shakes and EcoCup donations – has been completely wiped out, causing a deficit of almost £20,000.
So, this Friday’s game represents a unique opportunity for the entire Northampton Saints family to show their support for the Foundation’s vital work and DONATE.
How can I help on Takeover Day?
MONTHLY COMMITMENT
You can show your support for the important work done by Northampton Saints Foundation by becoming a ‘Friend of the Foundation’ for as little as £5 a month.
As a Friend of the Foundation, you will receive quarterly updates (via email) on the progress of the Saints Foundation’s projects and programmes, regular information on upcoming events and volunteering opportunities, and a pin badge.
Also, anyone who signs up to become a regular donor before the end of the season will be entered into a prize draw to win a 2020/21 Northampton Saints jersey, signed by the first-team squad.
CLICK HERE to become a Friend of the Foundation, select the value you wish to donate monthly (£5 minimum) and join. Please add ‘@Friend of the Foundation’ in the comments section.
ONE-OFF DONATION
If you would prefer to make a one-off donation, you can do so by CLICKING HERE.
- £1 is the equivalent to donating your EcoCup on matchday
- £5 is the equivalent to buying one pint or coffee at Franklin’s Gardens, and donating your EcoCup
- £8 is the equivalent to buying one pint or coffee at Franklin’s Gardens, a matchday programme and donating your EcoCup
All money raised helps the Saints Foundation continue to provide vital support and education services to our local community. We are incredibly grateful for anything you can give; it helps us to change lives and create positive futures.
AUCTION
Northampton Saints’ matchday 23 will warm-up wearing Saints Foundation t-shirts ahead of kick-off, which will be individually signed by the wearer and auctioned off after the game (starting bids: £25 each - bidding closes Friday 23 April 5pm).
A number of unique prizes (to view, CLICK HERE) are also available to bid on, including:
- Dan Biggar worn and signed match boots from the 2020/21 Six Nations (Current bid £400)
- England 2020/21 Six Nations signed shirt, donated by Alex Mitchell (Current bid £575)
- Signed England kit bag, donated by George Furbank (current bid £300)
- Harry Mallinder signed canvas portrait, donated by James Fitchew (current bid £125)
- Budge Pountney signed Scotland shirt (current bid £200)
To bid on any of these items, please email [email protected]. Bidding closes Monday 19 April 5pm.
RAFFLE / PRIZE DRAW
If you make a one-off donation of £25 or more, you will automatically be entered into a Prize Draw to win a 2020/21 signed Northampton Saints shirt (drawn on Monday 19 April).
There is also a raffle to win a rugby ball signed by the 2020/21 Northampton Saints squad – to enter, text the word SaintsBall to 70970. Texts cost £5 plus your standard message rate (full terms and conditions can be found here).
About Northampton Saints Foundation
Northampton Saints Foundation uses the power of sport and the principles of rugby to Inspire, Support and Educate young people.
The charity delivers a diverse range of programmes to create life-changing opportunities for hundreds of young people, helping to drive positive change in communities across Northamptonshire and beyond.
You can read all about the work they have done this year within the 2019/20 Impact Report.
“We have remained open throughout the pandemic, as supporting young people across our local community has been more important than ever,” said Sue Wright, Fundraising Manager at Northampton Saints Foundation.
“We need your help to try and recoup some of our lost matchday income – anything you can give would be very gratefully received, and will help us to continue to make a difference.
“Anyone can get involved as there’s no minimum (or maximum!) donation amount.”
For more information about the Takeover Day, or other ways to support the Foundation, please email [email protected] or call Sue on 07483 078363.
