Manchester United Foundation wins award for COVID response

Working closely with Manchester United, the Foundation continues to support the families and young people with whom we usually work on a daily basis, as well as donating funds and meals to the NHS and local foodbanks, and working with local councils to distribute essential IT and PPE equipment.

John Shiels, chief executive of Manchester United Foundation, said: “I’m delighted that the work of our staff has been recognised through this award. Alongside the club they have worked tirelessly – driving vans, delivering PPE, donating food parcels, looking after the vulnerable and children of key workers, collating activity packs, devising online educational worksheets…all those who took part in our COVID-19 response did so with boundless energy and compassion.”

During the pandemic, the Foundation committed over £1m to communities in Greater Manchester and across the world. The funds were largely generated through last year’s hugely successful Treble Reunion match, which ironically wouldn’t have taken place if it was arranged for 2020, and we wouldn’t have been in such a strong position to make a difference to our communities.

The main focus of the response has been to ensure we remain a constant in the lives of those who rely on our services on a daily basis. The Foundation typically works with vulnerable families and young people who have needed our support during this time more than ever, so we have endeavoured to go above and beyond and do all we can to make a difference.