Leeds United have announced that they will be supporting the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal as Russia’s invasion of the country continues.
The club will be raising funds at Thursday evening’s Premier League clash with Aston Villa at Elland Road.
They become the latest club in English football to show support for Ukraine by gathering money for the appeal set up by the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) which raised over £100m in its first four days.
Supporters will be able to contribute to the worldwide effort by making purchases outside the stadium with Ukraine flags priced at £6 and special matchday programmes £3.50. Bucket collections will also be taking place around the ground.
Leeds fans who travelled to Jesse Marsch’s first game at Leicester will have already had an opportunity to donate to the appeal at a Premier League match as a similar initiative was in place at King Power Stadium at the weekend.
The statement regarding the fundraising released by Leeds reads as follows:
“Leeds United will be raising funds for the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal at this Thursday’s Premier League match with Aston Villa at Elland Road, following the emergency caused by the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe.
“Outside the stadium, bucket collections will be taking place, Ukraine flags will be available to purchase for £6 and the club’s special Ukraine matchday programme can be purchased for £3.50, with all proceeds raised going to the appeal, set up by the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC).
“At least two million people have fled their homes to escape conflict in Ukraine, leaving behind jobs, belongings and loved ones, they now face an uncertain future.
“Intense conflict in Ukraine is threatening the lives and livelihoods of civilians across the country, families have been separated, people have been injured and lives have been lost.
“Homes have been destroyed or are unsafe to live in, critical infrastructure such as health facilities, water supplies and schools have also been damaged or destroyed.
“At Ukraine’s borders with Poland, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia and Moldova, huge numbers of people are arriving with only what they can carry.
“In many places there are long waits to cross and scant facilities waiting for them on the other side, with temperatures dropping below freezing overnight.”
