Leeds United Supporters Club of Scandinavia donate huge sum to Leeds-based charities

Leeds United's Supporters Club of Scandinavia have donated a generous sum of £9,000 to two Leeds-based charities.

LUSCOS - who boast over 7,000 members across Denmark, Sweden and Norway - aimed to initially raise £5,000 to give something back to the city of their beloved football team while visits in person are out of the question amid the global pandemic.

The supporters club, though, have smashed their target with the final hefty figure being split between two charities in the city.

Leeds North West Foodbank - which has been supported heavily previously by the Elland Road club and the Leeds United Supporters Trust - is one of those, as they aim to distribute food to those most in need around the local community.

Simon on the Streets, a charity battling homelessness across Leeds, Bradford and the Kirklees region, has also benefited from the fundraising effort.

"We deeply miss being in Leeds, meeting friends and people of the city," Svend Karlsen told the Yorkshire Evening Post on behalf of the members of LUSCOS.

"Our 7,000 members have strong relations, not just to Leeds United, but also to the city - the people, pubs, restaurants, shops and more. Our message is: we miss you so much, and we can't wait to be back.

"Our donation is small, but we hope it can help a few, and also encourage others to follow up. It's a time to stay united.

"Scandinavia is big and we are spread all over, but what unites the LUSCOS-members is Leeds. It's our second home and always in our hearts.

"The players, manager and whole club are working so hard and well, we are as proud to support them as ever."

The monies raised have now been transferred to the two charities, and will make a huge difference ahead of the upcoming busy Christmas period.

Simon on the Streets has been hit particularly hard during the coronavirus pandemic, with a number of key flagship fundraising events such as the annual 'Big Sleep Out' and 'Rough Diamond Ball' cancelled.

Natalie Moran, CEO of Simon on the Streets, said: "It was amazing to see the donation both personally being a big Leeds United fan and professionally for the charity.

"We couldn't be more grateful to Svend and everyone who has donated. It's a phenomenal thing that they have done.

"Having these kinds of donations makes such a difference between what we can and can't do. We want to make sure there are people out on the streets helping those who need it and we want to make sure we can keep spending money on clothing and food.

"It means we can continue to do that. We can support more people, whether it's getting them into a bed and breakfast for a night, or just by helping them keep warm and get a meal."

Trish Ryder from Leeds North West Foodbank added: “We’re once again overwhelmed by the generosity of Leeds United fans.

"It’s really humbling that the Scandinavian branch of supporters have chosen to help families across Leeds all because of their love for the club, we’re extremely grateful for their continued support.”

The Scandinavia supporters club has celebrated its 40 year anniversary this season and donated around £5,000 to the Leeds United Academy at Thorp Arch earlier this year.

If fans would like to help support either charity, they can do so by donating to Simon on the Streets here or the Leeds North West Foodbank here.

You can also visit the charities websites to find out about volunteering opportunities below:

https://simononthestreets.co.uk/https://leedsnorthandwest.foodbank.org.uk/