09 Apr Charities Foundation Day raises over £59,000
Northampton Saints Foundation celebrated their annual Foundation Day on 29th March 2024. An event which saw over 100 volunteers, Northampton Saints squad and community unite, to raise £59,140 (to date), helping to provide life changing opportunities for people across the county and beyond.
Taking place when Northampton Saints faced Saracens in the Gallagher Premiership, the fundraising event saw cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens come to life with various fundraising activities.
Northampton Saints players showed their support wearing specially branded Foundation playing shirts, signing items and taking selfies for donations, while free flags were handed out to supporters.
As the charity arm of Northampton Saints Rugby Football Club, the Foundation’s story goes back to when the club was first formed in 1880 by Revered Samuel Wathen Wigg, as a way to channel the energy of unruly boys in the community.
More than 180 years on, Northampton Saints Foundation, officially formed in 2018, continues Wigg’s legacy today through their award-winning education and social inclusion programmes.
Working in partnership with schools, police, social services, prisons and care homes, the Foundation uses the values of rugby and the power of sport to enhance confidence, self-esteem, social and emotional well-being across communities in Northamptonshire, Milton Keynes, and Ipswich.
With a sold-out stadium and pyrotechnics signalling kick off, Saints ran out through a sea of Foundation flags and made a fast start, soon leading 17-10.
At half time, three competition winners took part in rugby pong, kicking a ball into large bags to win prizes, with the Foundation’s Ambassador, former Northampton Saints Flanker Tom Wood getting involved.
As the final whistle blew and Northampton Saints took the win, the resounding triumph of Foundation Day served as a testament to the profound impact achievable when a community comes together to make positive change.
“I am immensely grateful for the generosity shared on Foundation Day amidst the cost-of-living crisis and challenging times for many” said Catherine Deans, Managing Director at Northampton Saints Foundation. “Witnessing our community donate to offer choices to those whose life chances may be limited is truly humbling.”
Sue Wright, Fundraising Officer, shared her delight “I am thrilled with the outcome of this year’s Foundation Day. I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported us, including our dedicated staff and volunteers who worked tirelessly, the Club for their unwavering support, and all the generous donors.”
The success of Foundation Day would not have been attainable without the invaluable support of Foundation and club staff, numerous volunteers, as well as Keepmoat Homes, Approved Business Finance, Gateway HR, Belmont Press, Workwear Northampton, and WHP Creative, all of whom played important roles in championing the Foundation’s vision.
