Foxton Centre users welcomed to EFL House this Christmas
The English Football League opened its doors and welcomed members of the local community to EFL House today.
A number of adults and young people who use the Foxton Centre, a Preston-based charity which provides support, safety and resources for homeless and vulnerable people in the city, attended a Christmas meal hosted by the EFL.
Earlier this year it was revealed that rough sleeping across Lancashire has risen by 53% in the last twelve months and the Foxton Centre provides a number of services in Preston, including a community café, work experience and volunteering programmes and identify rough sleepers through their outreach work.
By holding the event, the EFL hopes to raise awareness of the important services the Foxton Centre offers and give back to those less fortunate at this time of year.
EFL staff were also joined by Preston North End striker Louis Moult and a number of academy players and staff from the Sky Bet Championship Club at the event.
Preston North End are a huge supporter of the Foxton Centre and last month, hosted the Big PNE Sleep Out with over 300 participants of the event, raising over £57,000 to date. The money raised will be used to buy and renovate a house in Preston which will provide shelter and accommodation for homeless people in Preston.
Mark Rowan, Communications Director at the EFL said, “The EFL is proud to be working with The Foxton Centre this year and welcome those across the city that use their services to EFL house.
“We realise that Christmas is a difficult time for many people across the city but by holding this event we hope the organisation has been able to make even a small difference to some people’s lives this year and raise awareness of the great work the Foxton Centre does here in Preston.
“We’d like to thank the Foxton Centre, Preston North End, Crave catering and Redline for working with us to make this event happen.”
Tom Drake, Head of Community at Preston North End Community and Education Trust, said, “Preston North End and Preston North End Community and Education Trust pride ourselves on being at the very heart of Preston’s community.
“As a club and a Trust, we are extremely proud of the partnership we have forged with The Foxton Centre over the last two years.
“The Big PNE Sleep Out is one of our highlights for 2019. To see over 300 proud Prestonians do their bit for some of Preston’s most vulnerable, is a testament to the great people of this City. I look forward to seeing what great things the club, Trust and The Foxton Centre can achieve in 2020.”
