Leanne and I were invited to visit Elland Road on Wednesday as a thank you from the Leeds United Foundation for the fundraising we did for the skydive.
We had a lovely time down there and we really felt like royalty! We were greeted at the entrance to the East Stand by Vicky Conning who is the Fundraising and Events Officer for the Foundation and taken to a box.
The view was amazing and we could see the entire pitch! Just a shame they were in the middle of re-seeding it so we couldn’t go for a play on it, however Leanne really wanted to have a go on the tractor!
After some refreshments, Vicky let us know that they were running their Over 50s social group that afternoon and took us for a little look at just one of the groups our fundraising was going to help.
There were around 20ish people in this group and they were all having a discussion about who the next new Manager of Leeds was going to be, they had odds worked out and everything!
One of the volunteers, Rachel, came over to speak with us and thanked us for our efforts – she then completely embarrassed us and introduced us to the group letting them know what we did and how much we raised!
It really was lovely to get a round of applause from complete strangers who were so grateful for what we did. One gentleman even commented “a bit extreme love, but thanks.”
After a chat with Rachel and Vicky and finding out a bit more about the things the foundation does, it was time for a quick walk about the grounds. Vicky took us in to the stands to have a good look at where the press go, the higher-ups seats and of course the TV cameras! She even showed us the new standing only area that they are going to be trialling.
Vicky was explaining that they are currently going round primary schools in the Leeds area and speaking with Year 6 children about making good life choices and warning children about the effects of vaping. They also go in to secondary schools with guest speakers.
At the moment they are working with a woman that used to be a gang leader in Birmingham, she has served time in prison but she really does get the kids thinking about making the right choices. Of course these speakers cost money, and that is why the Foundation really do need all the help they can get to keep schemes like this going.
I have only mentioned a couple of schemes here, but they do so much more – like the summer football camps for children that are free to attend, and at the end of the week each child receives enough food to feed a family of four for a week! For some families this is a real lifeline, and without people jumping out of planes or hosting charity days, none of this would be possible.
Leanne and I were really privileged to go to Elland Road and see for ourselves. All I can say is, if you ever get a chance to do something good, then you should.
Karla Samwell is Head of our Administration and New Enquiries departments, having worked her way up from secretary to the Employment Department when she first started with the company in 2013. She has…
