Former defender Rio Ferdinand helps Christmas goals of underprivileged children

MANCHESTER: Former English footballer and Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has scored a real life goal as he donates toys worth £500,000 to the needy children this Christmas.

The former star player on behalf of himself and his Italian restaurant Rosso pledged to spread smiles on the faces of underprivileged children by giving away toys this year on Christmas which are worth at least half a million pounds.

He has donated the stock to the ‘Cash for Kids’ which is the official charity of Manchester radio station Key 103.

The former United defender said that he couldn’t think of any child going without a gift on the day of Christmas.

He said, “As a father myself I couldn’t see children going without opening a present this Christmas Day – the work that Cash for Kids at Key 103 do is truly amazing. I’m glad that my restaurant Rosso and I can be involved in this and certainly help put a smile on kids’ faces this Christmas Day.”

The huge pile of toys has arrived at a warehouse last week from where they’ll be donated to the needy children.

The football legend also asked the local community to support this cause and help to spread smiles on the faces of the underprivileged children. He has requested people of Manchester to get behind what this campaign where everyone can get involved and donate what they can.

Rio tweeted, “Me & Rosso Restaurant are doing our bit this Christmas for #missionchristmas at Cash for Kids Key103 come on get involved Manchester!”

Rio while talking to the host of Key103 said, “We’re not looking for a thank you, we’re just trying to help people out.”

The Cash for Kids Mission Christmas campaign provides help for children living in poverty, or those who have suffered abuse, deprivation or neglect across Manchester.

The charity in a statement said, ‘We can’t tell you what a difference this is going to make.’