Club Launches 'Pass The Parcel' Appeal

Manchester United is asking fans to give the gift of childhood this Christmas, in aid of global charity partner, Unicef.

The Manchester United 'Pass the Parcel Christmas Appeal' encourages supporters to donate via text or online to help Unicef provide urgently needed supplies to enable children caught up in humanitarian emergencies such as trauma, conflict and disease, including the current Ebola crisis, to not only survive but also enjoy their childhood by recreating learning and sporting environments.

‘Sport in a Box’, which is one of the items that the 'Pass the Parcel Christmas Appeal' will fund, is a lockable case which when opened can transform any space, allowing children from different parts of the community to play together, helping to break the cycle of violence and suffering. Each box contains enough sport equipment for 90 children to play together and includes items such as footballs, a goal net, a basketball, skipping rope, whistles and frisbees.

David Bull, executive director of Unicef UK said: “Around the world children are facing dangerous and desperate situations. We want to make sure that these children, even in the most difficult emergency situations, not only survive but that they get the help they need to enjoy life again in safety. Even being able to kick a ball around with friends can help bring back their childhood and help them to cope with their troubles. Our Pass the Parcel appeal with Manchester United is a great way for all fans to give children something to cheer about this festive season and help make their future feel a little less bleak.”

The 'Pass the Parcel Christmas Appeal' will run throughout December and forms part of the wider United for Unicef partnership, which is currently celebrating its fifteenth year.

All funds from this appeal will go to Unicef’s Children’s Emergency Fund to help young people across Africa, Asia and South America. As United’s Official Logistics Partner, DHL is supporting the fundraising campaign by delivering the ‘Sport in a Box’ parcels and other urgently needed aid supplies to these regions.

Fans are encouraged to get involved by texting ‘BALL’ to 70755 to donate £5 or visit www.manutd.com/christmasappeal.

Credit: manutd.com