10 large crates of food and £2,000 were raised for those facing fuel and food poverty at Brentford’s recent home fixture against Luton Town. 

The generous food donations, given by fans and staff, will go to Hounslow Community FoodBox, while the money will be split equally between the FoodBox and Utilita Giving, who took over the matchday to drive the fundraising activities. 

One in seven people across the UK face hunger because they don’t have enough money (Trussell Trust).

With Christmas being a particularly difficult period, fans showed their support for those in need by making donations.

Supporters donated their food items at our Fan Hive before the Bees kicked off their match against Luton.

Brentford chief executive Jon Varney and club chair Cliff Crown also dropped off donations.

Utilita Giving ran a Wheel of Giving before the match, giving fans a chance to win small prizes such as supermarket vouchers in return for their donations.

In our hospitality lounges, supporters took part in a raffle to win prizes including tickets to see Brentford take on Luton at Kenilworth Road in a hospitality lounge. The money raised from raffle tickets was donated to Hounslow Community FoodBox and Utilita Giving. 

At half-time, a game of football bowls took place between Bees fan Callum McNiff of the West Stand Alliance and Paul Stephens from the Luton Town Supporters’ Trust at the Gtech. Paul beat Callum 150 points to 75. Brentford and Utilita made donations to match the fans’ scores.

Fan and community relations director Sally Stephens said: "It’s wonderful to see our supporters rally round to support such an important cause. We’re very aware of the cost-of-living crisis that many from our local community are facing and the increase in the numbers of people relying on support from organisations like Hounslow Community FoodBox.

"It’s great that we can extend our spirit of togetherness to support those in need. We’re very grateful to Utilita Giving for their help with this fundraising drive.”

Keira Meadus from Utilita Giving added: “We are incredibly grateful to Utilita and Brentford for allowing us to be part of their partnership.

“I can’t quite believe how generous the fans were on the day - both the cash and food donations will go a very long way in the local community.

“We have forged some incredibly strong relationships thanks to both the club and company, and we continue to reach even more vulnerable people across the area.

“Thank you again - together, we are making a real difference.” 

For more information about Utilita Giving, visit utilitagiving.org