Brighton & Hove Albion have been doing their bit to help the local community in the days leading up to Christmas by producing hampers for those in need during the festive period.
The Albion squad, led by defender Victoria Williams, have been working with the Albion in the Community (AITC) charity to produce the hampers which have been gifted to around 100 people within the Brighton & Hove area in the lead up to Christmas.
When speaking in Brighton & Hove Albion’s recent club press conference in which FA Women’s Super League Full-Time were present, defender Williams said that she had taken inspiration from her grandparents to roll out the initiative with her club and teammates.
“My grandparents used to doing it within their community and in their church” said Williams. “I just thought ‘why not?’
“The club already do a lot in the community and the charity do a lot so it was more of a case of how we could help their efforts.
“I just think that if you can give something then why wouldn’t you?
“We have a morale responsibility to do what we can, when we can. We are not on millions of pounds a year but putting together a food hamper is well within our capabilities and the girls were well up for it.”
UK food poverty rates are currently some of the highest in Europe according to a recent report by The Big Issue with around 8.4 million people struggling to keep well-fed. BAME, disabled and elderly groups are the worst hit while some families who have members in employment are living in food poverty. Last year, more than two million people had to use a food bank and for Brighton & Hove Albion defender Williams, it is a case of every little bit helps.
She added “I got the girls together as they were all up for helping and we thought that it has been a tough year for everybody and it was one of the ways which we could help as a squad.
“It helps makes someone’s day a bit. I know that hampers don’t necessarily go far but at least it takes care of one or two meals in a day.
“The girls were more than happy to oblige and it was a fun process putting them together.”
More information on the Albion in the Community (AITC) charity can be found by clicking here.
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