Sports clubs to back hygiene products campaign amid cost-of-living crisis

A charity is enlisting support from sports clubs and fans in a major drive to distribute essential hygiene products to people being hit by the cost-of-living crisis.

Multibank said football and rugby clubs across the country will organise donations from fans on match days next month.

Among those supporting the venture are Tottenham Hotspur, Harlequins, and Wigan Warriors.

Products will be distributed via Multibanks' network of charities, social workers, health professionals, and teachers.

Donna-Maria Cullen, executive director at Tottenham Hotspur said the football club has made donations to its local foodbanks ahead of Christmas in support of the most vulnerable within the community.

"We are therefore delighted to be supporting the Multibank in its Christmas campaign around the too often overlooked issue of hygiene poverty."

"We are certain that our football family will unite to ensure young people in our area are able to build their confidence from an early stage in life by having access to basic hygiene products."

Andy Carpenter, head of the Harlequins Foundation, said: "Given our dedication to working with young people living in the poorest areas to address the deprivation-related challenges they face, it was a no-brainer to be a part of this campaign to support those most in need in our heartlands."

"We're calling on Quins fans to give what they can when they come to the match on December 14."

A spokesperson for Multibank said: "With two in three staff expecting the level of hygiene poverty to increase in their school in the coming year, and with key workers' mental health being affected as they attempt to navigate the daily complexities that hygiene poverty presents, we endeavour to get soap, shampoo, shower gel, deodorant, toothpaste, and toothbrushes, in the hands of those most in need, ensuring that they start the day the right way, free of fear, anxiety, and judgment."