"This fundraiser continues to hold a special place in my heart": Blackpool FC and BFCCT's Festive Fundraiser is back for 2025

It was launched five years ago when club and Trust learned that hundreds of primary school-aged children across Blackpool could go without a present on Christmas Day.

Since then, the town has come together every Christmas with local businesses and supporters having donated more than £120,000 to date in order to fund the purchase and subsequent delivery of more than 7,000 presents across Blackpool.

This year’s gifts will be especially designed for the fundraiser, containing a Blackpool FC theme throughout as well as being supplied at cost price.

The final sum raised will then be matched by the club via the donation of match tickets which will be distributed by BFCCT.

At the time of writing, the fundraiser – which was launched last week – has already generated £1,155.

BFCCT CEO Ashley Hackett said: “This campaign has had an incredible impact on our town, with significant support from various businesses.

“We’d particularly like to thank Lego for their contribution over the past five years.

“We believe adding a BFC theme to the gifts this year will further cement the ties between the club, Trust and community.

“In doing so, we hope we can bring the football club closer to as many children as possible this Christmas.”

Seasiders owner Simon Sadler added: “This fundraiser continues to hold a special place in my heart, with repeated acts of generosity demonstrated from our supporters, partners, sponsors and local businesses.

“I’d like to thank Ash from the Community Trust for bringing forward the idea of including club-themed gifts, and look forward to once again spreading a little bit of tangerine festive cheer throughout Blackpool this Christmas.”

You can donate to the initiative by visiting the Trust’s Just Giving page.