Four North East charities are set to be given a huge donation from the Newcastle United Supporters' Trust. The Alan Shearer Foundation, The Newcastle West End Foodbank, The Newcastle United Foundation and The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation will share a pot of £200,000 raised by the Trust's members as part of the now defunct 1892 Pledge Scheme.
The scheme was set up in April 2021 with the aim of buying a stake in Newcastle United. Several members signed up to a monthly donation knowing that if the aim of buying shares in the club did not become a reality, the money would be donated to selected charities.
The sale of the club to the Saudi-led consortium in October 2021, as the Trust notes meant 'there was no longer the requirement for this Trust to collect funds in an attempt to safeguard the future of Newcastle United.' The pledge shut down in January 2022 and since then members of the NUST plus the 'guardians' entrusted to look after the funds - including Toon legend Warren Barton - have been working to choose which charities would become beneficiaries.
LISTEN TO THE EVERYTHING IS BLACK AND WHITE PODCAST
The chosen charities presented plans to the Trust, and the guardians picked their choices on the back of the proposals which are:
- The West End Foodbank is set to receive £27,500 for a mobile pantry which will deliver goods to the community
- The Alan Shearer Foundation is set to receive £83,500 for a new play park, sensory walk and garden
- The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation is set to receive £59,000 to significantly expand and increase the treatments on offer
- The Newcastle United Foundation is set to receive £30,000 to deliver a classroom at its centre
In an email to members, the Trust wrote: "The North East of England has many deserving charities and how to best distribute the funds was a question not easily answered. The Pledge Committee wanted to support multiple charities yet provide selected charities with enough money to make a significant difference to the lives of the people the charities support.
"It was also important to the Pledge Committee that the Pledge Scheme money be used on projects members could recognise and see the positive effects of, rather than be paid across for general running costs.
"The £200,000 will leave a legacy with deserving charities that have helped people within this city and beyond. Each charity has been served by the supporters of this football club whilst also helping Newcastle United supporters in the most incredible ways.
"The Trust Board and Guardians sincerely hope you believe our work in months gone by has been effective in choosing deserving charities with deserving projects."
Adding to the note to members, Alex Hurst who led the pledge scheme told Chronicle Live: "The 1892 Pledge Scheme proves that Newcastle United fans were willing to come together to be proactive to try and enforce positive change both at their football club and within their community.
"If the money is handed over it will be a relief to finally get the huge amount to where it’s needed and there’ll be a sense of pride within the Trust that its vast membership did something so selfless and positive for the people in this region who need our help.
"The charities were chosen because we had the difficult job of narrowing down thousands of deserving charities in the region and had to present members with something that would make a difference. Therefore we wanted to make sure the sums donated were large enough to make a big difference for the charities in question.
"We did not want lots of charities to have to compete with each other nor make the decision more complicated than it ought to be so the decision was made to speak to charities with an association with Newcastle United and supporters, We hope this consultation with members will be approved."
NUST members will now have the opportunity to vote on the proposals and have until midnight on Tuesday, 20th September to do so via https://nufctrust.co.uk/support/.
READ MORE
PSG president makes 'dream' vow that is good news for Newcastle owners' exciting long-term plan
Mike Ashley's plan to appoint his neighbour at Newcastle who Arsenal legend Arsene Wenger loved
PSG chief indirectly hints at other clubs' Newcastle fear after their response to transfer bids
Liverpool and Premier League clubs give Newcastle what Sir Alex loved at Manchester United
Newcastle get reassuring two words from Liverpool source that hint at shock move to be announced
