Stars Launch Airport Staff Donation Scheme

A trio of Newcastle United stars, past and present, were at Newcastle International Airport on Tuesday to help launch a new fundraising scheme which supports the Club's official charity.

The voluntary Give As You Earn scheme allows airport staff to donate directly to its charity partnership between the Newcastle United Foundation and Sunderland's Foundation of Light.

And ahead of next weekend's Tyne-Wear derby, Spanish striker Ayoze Perez, centre-back Mike Williamson and Fairs Cup-winning captain Bob Moncur teamed up with Black Cats pair Jack Rodwell and Jimmy Montgomery in the main terminal to encourage employees to sign up and make regular donations.

Last December, the airport announced an historic partnership, which saw both football foundations jointly becoming the airport's adopted charity for 2015 and 2016.

The charities work with children, young people and families across the North-East, using the power of football to educate, encourage and inform in a variety of areas including health, sport and teamwork.

"We are delighted that Newcastle Airport is launching the Give As You Earn scheme," said Keith Nicholson, acting head of Newcastle United Foundation.

"Around half-a-million people across the UK donate money to charity in this way and it provides a valuable way for charities to fundraise.

At Newcastle United Foundation, our fundraising goes towards promoting healthy and active lifestyles in the most disadvantaged communities and without this, we could not do what we do.

"Our ability to inspire people to learn and reach their potential is built upon support such as this and on behalf of our participants I would like to thank everyone getting involved in raising funds."

Phil King, head of commercial at the Foundation of Light, added: "It is fantastic to have the support of the employees of Newcastle International Airport and their partners.

"By donating from their wages each month, they are backing projects benefiting people in their communities and improving opportunities across the North-East.

"It is also a great example of organisations engaging their employees in two vital charities in our region."

David Laws, chief executive at Newcastle international Airport, said: "The North-East's passion for football is unmatched.

"We know that many of our staff are huge fans of either club and this scheme will allow them to donate directly to the fundraising partnership, ensuring that they are able to continue their amazing work in the community.

"We're delighted to have players from both clubs in the terminal to help launch the scheme, especially with the Tyne-Wear derby less than a fortnight away."

Members of the public can also donate jointly to the two charities by texting NUSA01 £5 to 70070 to donate and make a difference today.

Each season Newcastle United Foundation raises more than £2million to work with over 50,000 individuals.

It delivers 24,000 hours in the local community and is active in 200 local schools, seeing record levels of participation on all its sporting, health, education and youth programmes.

To find out more about the Newcastle United Foundation and how it works across the region each year, please visit www.nufoundation.org.uk.