UNICEF UK has announced that Soccer Aid 2012 has raised over £4.9 million for vital work to save children’s lives around the world.
Thanks to the UK Government matching all public donations pound for pound, this figure has smashed all previous records set by the bi-annual event.
The Soccer Aid 2012 match took place at a packed out Old Trafford on 27 May 2012 and was broadcast live on ITV1.
Throughout the match short films were broadcast presented by UNICEF UK Ambassadors Robbie Williams and Ewan McGregor and UNICEF supporters Keira Knightley, Lewis Hamilton, Eddie Izzard and Keeley Hawes showing how UNICEF helps some of the world’s most vulnerable children.
“I’m still basking in the glory of England’s win and so pleased that this has been the best Soccer Aid yet with almost £5 million raised for UNICEF – for children”, said Robbie Williams, UNICEF UK Ambassador and co-founder of Soccer Aid. “Thank you so so much to everyone who donated on the night or bought a ticket to the match – we couldn’t have done it without you.”
Among the stars who took part in the match were Will Ferrell, Gordon Ramsay, Mike Myers, Gerard Butler, Edward Norton and Woody Harrelson.
Over 356,000 people donated to Soccer Aid with over £1.5million of donations made by SMS.
The money raised by this year’s event will be spent on providing food, vaccines and other critical supplies for children, including those affected by the continuing food crisis in West Africa.
Source: UNICEF UK
