The UK's most successful basketball franchise, Newcastle Eagles, has linked up with the country's largest foodbank in a unique deal.
When the team returned to action at the Vertu Motors Arena on Friday night in the British Basketball League, they sported new look shirts for the first time.
Instead of the logo of previous sponsors GiveToLocal who the Eagles parted company with this week, the Newcastle Foodbank name took pride of place.
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Paul Blake, Managing Director of Newcastle Eagles, said: “We have an opportunity to highlight the invaluable work of Newcastle's Foodbanks between now and the end of the season.
“We are always looking at ways to help our local community and this is a chance to showcase a vital service that makes a difference to so many families.
“We are proud to be based in the West End of Newcastle and community is at the heart of everything we do.”
The Eagles moved to donate space on the club’s official kit and within the Vertu Motors Arena following talks with Newcastle West End Foodbank and its Chief Executive, John McCorry.
He said: “We are delighted to strengthen our ties with Newcastle Eagles. We have the shared aims of supporting communities throughout the city.”
The cost-of-living crisis has seen a significant increase in demand for the foodbank’s services and club bosses hope that, by underpinning a longstanding and positive relationship, they can shine a light on a team of committed volunteers helping families in need.
Between April 2021 and February 2022 more than 38,000 people were beneficiaries of parcels issued by Newcastle West End Foodbank.
Almost 15,000 of those people were children living in poor and low income households.
On average 3,500 people visit Newcastle West End Foodbank distribution hubs every month.
And the volunteer-led service offers help to people trying to overcome hardship — as well as promoting social inclusion — via its Pathways welfare project.
“It’s clear that our communities need the foodbank more than ever right now and we want to do what we can to support their work,” said Paul.
“We’re hoping that by donating main sponsor space more and more people will become aware of the challenges facing many families right now.”
