Kevin Danso has become the latest player to support the Club’s local foodbank, Tottenham Foodbank, after he helped volunteers prepare for an evening shift after training today (Thursday 6 November).
Tottenham Foodbank first opened its doors almost six years ago and since then has been providing emergency food parcels containing at least three days’ worth of nutritionally balanced meals for those in crisis across our community. Last winter, Tottenham Foodbank saw 20 per cent more people seeking such help — an additional 166 parcels – with this coming winter expected to be even busier.
The charity, which also provides essential items such as toiletries, has seen donations fall by 75 per cent since their peak during lockdown, forcing the foodbank to spend over £5,000 every month on essential supplies to keep shelves stocked.
During his visit, Kevin prepared food parcels alongside other volunteers before undertaking a tour of the facilities.
He said: “There are people here working every day, making a huge difference to support their local community. I was just happy to do my bit and show that a club like Spurs and people like me are willing to help and give back. I spoke to a couple of the volunteers, and the charity also helps with mental health and gives financial advice, so it is nice to know people are going above and beyond to make a difference.
“I grew up in Austria, but my parents were from Ghana, and so they relied heavily on the support of their communities, which is why I place so much value on it and believe in the power of charity work.”
Tonye Philemon, Project Manager at Tottenham Foodbank, said: “Kevin coming to the foodbank today just underlined how people are noticing the amazing work the staff and volunteers are doing here. We are so grateful for that because the funding climate is very difficult at the moment due to costs, so we are looking for all the support we can get to help the over 750 people who have access to our foodbank.”
The Club sits within one of London’s most deprived areas and has long recognised its responsibility to support vulnerable people within our local community. We are a long-term supporter of our local Foodbanks and make a donation ahead of Christmas every year, in addition to year-round support, to assist those living in crisis.
Our Foundation has also been supporting Haringey Community Food Network (HCFN) over the last year, holding a series of events for our supporters and the local community, including a football tournament attended by Club legend Gary Mabbutt at our Training Centre, to raise money for food banks and other food projects supported by HCFN.
Kevin himself recently became an ambassador for homelessness charity The Passage, aiming to raise awareness of the issue of homelessness and promote the importance of community support. He spent an afternoon volunteering at the charity’s kitchen, helping to prepare and serve lunch, and meeting those involved in its work.