The Newcastle United Fans Foodbank has said it is "humbling" after being included in Sam Fender's programme and collecting donations outside of both gigs this weekend.
NUFC Fans Food Bank relies heavily on donations during matchdays, and has to find alternative ways to raise funds and procure food without regular Premier League fixtures. The foodbank usually makes around £5,000 in donations at home games and the figure is matched by club co-owner Jamie Reuben.
So, having more than 100,000 Fender fans descending on the stadium was an opportunity not to be missed - especially since Sam included the West End Foodbank, which NUFC Fans Foodbank operates from, were mentioned in the programme alongside the Alan Shearer Foundation, CALM, Anxious Minds, Teenage Cancer Trust and Harbour. Bill Corcoran, from the NUFC Fans' Food Bank, told ChronicleLive: We're very proud that Sam, who has visited the foodbank before, has taken care to make sure we're mentioned in the programme.
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Foodbank volunteers were out collecting for much of the lead-up to both of Sam's St James' Park gigs, with Bill continuing: "I have never seen a day like this in Newcastle's history. It's like all of our Christmasses have come at once, the Blaydon Race was on last night, we've qualified for the Champions League and the sun is shining."
"It says in the Blaydon races, all the smiling faces. Well, we had smiling faces along here yesterday.
"It was just as humbling as ever for people to stand here with 10p, £10 or even more. It's different from a matchday crowd, it may be a bit younger and prettier but still with the same heart and soul."
Despite the food bank volunteers enjoying the sunshine outside Sam's concert, Bill said: "We shouldn't have to have a food bank in this beautiful city in this year, but the fact that we have been met with nothing but unity, we have to be grateful for that. It's the summertime and we have got to think about the kids who don't get their school dinners through the holidays.
"The holidays are a great time for some, but not others. That's why we're here, to make sure nobody goes hungry.
"As a city, we're sticking together, we're having a good time. But we're also remembering those people who aren't fortunate enough to be here because of whatever issues they may have - that's what this city's all about."
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