Cardiff City fans to collect for Rhymney Valley Foodbank ahead of Southampton match

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Football fans are being asked to donate food for struggling families in the Rhymney Valley ahead of Cardiff City’s home match against Southampton next month.

Cardiff City Supporters’ Trust, backed by the club, will hold its eighth collection at the Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday December 12.

Donations will be accepted near the Trust office, close to Gate 5, from 12.30pm until 2.45pm – just before kick-off.

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All items will go to the Rhymney Valley Foodbank, which operates from St Peter’s Church in Aberbargoed alongside community hubs in New Tredegar and Rhymney.

Rev Canon Mark Owen, chair of trustees at the food bank, said demand has grown sharply since the charity was founded in 2012, when it supported only a few families each week.

“The scale of need remains significant,” he said. “In the last year, Rhymney Valley Foodbank provided 5,241 emergency food parcels to people in need across our communities. Many of these food parcels went to a significant number of children.

“Without the support from organisations like Cardiff City Supporters’ Trust, Rhymney Valley Foodbank would simply cease to exist. We receive no core funding from central government and rely on the generosity and charity of local people, businesses, community organisations, schools, colleges, churches and chapels.”

The charity now feeds more than 5,500 people every year.

Cardiff City Supporters’ Trust chair Mike Spear said the need among families is greater than when the supporters’ group began its collections in 2021, pointing to the impact of rising food, energy, and fuel bills.

“We once again appeal to supporters to give whatever they can afford to, whether it is a single jar of food or a bag of items,” Mr Spear said. “Anything donated will make Christmas a little easier for families and individuals on the breadline.”

He also thanked Cardiff City Football Club, its staff and players for their continuing support.

Organisers are asking for non-perishable items only and have stressed they cannot accept short-date fresh food. Urgently needed items include:

Cash and cheque donations will also be taken on the day. Supporters who cannot attend the match can donate directly to the Rhymney Valley Foodbank using sort code 30-54-66 and account number 13842763.

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