Arsenal stars give up day's wages for charity

nlnews@archant.co.uk
12 December 2007

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.