Christmas is a difficult time of year for homeless people. The economic crisis has hit the poorest hardest seeing many more people face life on the streets, yet this is ignored. Media coverage focuses on the rich losing out, not the numbers of people becoming homeless as a result. There is something we can all do.
Instead of sending us a Christmas card this year, we'd love it if you could make a minimum donation of £2 to help people who are homeless change their lives.
We would like to extend a big thank you to everyone who has supported the Homeless World Cup this year. It is only with generous donations from our supporters that we are able to help thousands of homeless people change their lives for the better.
It is worth reflecting on what was achieved in 2009:
o Lewis Hamilton at the Milan 2009 Homeless World CupThe Milan 2009 Homeless World Cup united 48 national teams of homeless players who laid an important foundation in Milan, Italy clearly demonstrating that football can breakdown prejudices. Lewis Hamilton joined us for a pitstop on the way to the Monza Grand Prix and Marco Materazzi called in to the stadium to meet the players as did the FIFA World Cup Trophy
o Over 30,000 homeless players were engaged in the benefits of football through trials and training for the Milan 2009 Homeless World Cup
o There are now football programmes in 70 nations and we are working with many of them to grow stronger and work with more homeless people
o Over 70% of players significantly change their lives coming off drugs and alcohol, getting jobs, homes, education, training, becoming football players, coaches and social entrepreneurs
Take a minute to read about Martin, just one of the incredible players at the Milan 2009 Homeless World Cup: http://www.homelessworldcup.org/zine/news/martin-afrika-a-story-of-hope
You can also watch Martin and other fantastic players in the short film: The Grit & The Glory: http://www.youtube.com/homelessworldcup
Whilst retailers only pass on 6% of the sale of charity cards back to charities, this cardless card is good for the environment, saves on postage and more importantly 100% of your donation is sent directly to the Homeless World Cup Foundation helping to help more people like Martin who are homeless.
Wishing you a happy and healthy Christmas and New Year.
We'd love you to join us and add your support to making 2010 another year closer to ending homelessness.
From us all at the Homeless World Cup
P.S.
You can create your own page and send a card to raise money for the Homeless World Cup Foundation. Click on this link, choose The Homeless World Cup Foundation and your page will automatically be associated with the JustGiving cardless Christmas event.
