The Good Shepherd have benefitted from the latest line on long-running support from Wolves Former Players Association with a generous donation of £1,000.
The funding is to be used to purchase for equipment to fund a new training and leisure room to help vulnerable service-users rebuild their self-esteem and confidence.
Wolves legend and FPA Chairman John Richards and FPA Administration Manager Richard Green visited the Good Shepherd to present the cheque and also enjoy a tour of the Centre and chance to find out more about the range of services which are offered.
They chatted with Good Shepherd CEO Tom Hayden, LEAP Project Manager Chris Cole, Housing First support worker Paul Burns, and Chris Edwards, who has progressed from initially coming to the charity as a service user to now having successfully landed employment as a peer support worker with the NHS.
“One of the key aims of the former players’ association is that we raise money both to support any former players who might need our help, but also to benefit local charities,” says Richards. “With the pandemic, it’s been a while since we were able to get out about and visit the charities, but we were delighted to be able to pass on some of the proceeds from our annual golf day.
“There are so many wonderful charities doing some fantastic work in our local community, and as former players who enjoyed our time at Wolves so much, we feel it is important that we can support them as much as we can.”
“It is important that the FPA continues to play an important role within the city, and to go and visit these three charities was a reminder as to how much fantastic work is taking place within the local community,” added Green.
“It was a real eye opener seeing some of the challenges that people are currently facing, and humbling to know that, in a small way, the FPA can make a positive difference.
Wolves players have a long-running tradition of supporting the Good Shepherd from the time when they would regular visit to support with the Christmas dinner.
From there, many returned to make their own personal donations, including the likes of Karl Henry and Kevin Foley, whilst former goalkeeper Carl Ikeme is now one of the Good Shepherd’s fantastic team of ambassadors.
“We remain hugely appreciative of the support we have received from Wolves, Wolves Foundation and Wolves Former Players’ Association over many years,” says Tom.
“It helps us deliver our services to support people who are homeless and vulnerable across our city.
“This latest generous donation will help purchase equipment for a new initiative which will have a really positive impact on the lives of our service users.”