FORMER United Captain Rio Ferdinand has donated half a million pounds’ worth of toys to Key103’s Cash for Kids, after seeing the work done by the radio station’s charity firsthand.
Making the donation on behalf of himself and Manchester restaurant Rosso - which he co-owns - the father of three said he couldn't bear to think of any child going without a Christmas present.
Rio Ferdinand has donated half a million pounds’ worth of toys on behalf of himself and Rosso
Last week, then, saw an enormous pile of children’s toys delivered to the Mission Christmas warehouse - all of which will be distributed to needy children in time for Santa’s visit.
A modest Rio told Key 103 Breakfast Show host Mike Toolan: "Me and the guys at Rosso have seen what's been going on in the city and - with it obviously being Christmas - we know there are a lot of people less fortunate than we are. So we've decided to donate £500,000 worth of toys and gifts.”
Despite Toolan’s profuse thanks, modest Rio said: "We're not looking for a thank you, we're just trying to help people out."
Rio's half mil stashFormer England captain Rio, 38, is widely regarded as one of the country’s greatest ever defenders; winning the Premier League six times with Manchester United, not to mention three League cups and the Champions League trophy in 2008 as Manchester United captain.
Retiring from professional football in 2015, he now runs his own charitable foundation - which helps young people to reach their potential - alongside pursuing business interests spanning fashion to film to food.
Cash for Kids is Bauer Radio’s network of local charities, which operate across 22 areas around the UK. The Mission Christmas campaign supports children who have suffered abuse, deprivation or neglect across Manchester. While last year’s campaign raised £2m in gifts and money - reaching over 51,500 children - the fact that one in three still live in poverty across the region shows there is yet more to be done.
As Rio commented: “Manchester has got to get behind what we are doing, everyone can get involved and donate what they can."
To make a Christmas donation in toys or cash, or to find your closest drop-off point, click here.
Find out more about Rosso Restaurant
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