Arsenal stars give up day's wages for charity
 | | William Gallas |
PREMIER League superstars will give up a day's wages this weekend to help a local charity raise £250,000.
Arsenal's line-up, including captain William Gallas and goalie Manuel Almunia, have all agreed to play their match against Chelsea for free this Sunday, donating their earnings instead to Muswell Hill-based national autism education charity TreeHouse.
The team's entire staff - from directors to cleaners - are all donating too, while manager Arsène Wenger has urged all Gooners fans to put their hands in their pockets to help the club's chosen charity.
In a rare coup for the charity, the entire match day will be dedicated to raising cash for TreeHouse as part of Arsenal's "Be a Gooner. Be a Giver" initiative, with 50p from every programme sold going to the charity, plus advertising around Emirates Stadium.
TreeHouse founder and parent Virginia Bovell said: "We are thrilled that Arsenal has dedicated a match day to TreeHouse and delighted that they have set up '"Be a Gooner. Be a Giver". People at the club are so genuine about helping, their support is not just tokenism."
She added: "It would be wonderful if all those affiliated to Arsenal affiliate themselves to TreeHouse for this initiative, as it would significantly help us."
The school is aiming to build a new sport facility that will also be used by children in the local area.
Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger said: "The work of TreeHouse is absolutely amazing. I have seen first-hand the dedication these people show in helping kids with autism improve their lives and the lives of their families.
"The Arsenal family is a large one and if everyone pledges something, I am confident that we will reach our £250,000 target to provide them with a permanent sports facility."
Arsenal captain William Gallas added: "We are united on the pitch and we are united off it. We are all getting involved in the 'Be a Gooner, Be a Giver.' campaign because we don't want to just talk about helping TreeHouse, we want to make a real difference. I hope that the fans can also make a small donation so it will be a real team effort."
To donate to the charity, go to www.justgiving.com/beagoonerbeagiver.
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Muswell Hill Journal News |
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