Liverpool FC Donate More Than 1,000 Items To British Red Cross

More than 1,000 items of Liverpool FC merchandise will hit the charity shops this month.

The club is donating top players’ new and worn shirts, as well as sweatshirts, tracksuits and other valuable merchandise to help raise funds for those stricken by the earthquake in Japan.

Ian Ayre, managing director of Liverpool FC, said: “Our hearts go out to everyone in Japan who has suffered as a result of widespread destruction caused by the tsunami earlier this year. We are grateful for the opportunity to work with the Red Cross to help raise funds that will contribute towards rebuilding the country’s economic and social infrastructure.“

Red Cross teams have been providing first aid, emergency healthcare and psychological support, as well as assisting the Japanese authorities with evacuations near nuclear plants and staffing shelters for evacuees.

Its volunteers have also been distributing relief, including personal hygiene kits and blankets, as well as providing hot meals, clearing debris and transporting injured people.

But this effort takes vast resources and Liverpool FC is determined to do its bit to help out.

Among the thousand items will be 360 new and used players’ shirts once owned by the likes of Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher, Jose Reina and manager Kenny Dalglish.

And while some of the more valuable items will go to auction, the majority will be spread across the network of Red Cross shops in the North West, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man.

Karen Butterworth, retail manager at the charity’s Birkenhead outlet, said: “It’s great for Liverpool FC and excellent for the Red Cross.

“All the items will be displayed on the shop floor.

“I’m sure it will be popular with customers and raise the profile of the work we do.”

The items should be on display around Red Cross shops by June 13.

Sue Radcliff, British Red Cross retail field manager, said: “We are incredibly grateful for this generous donation by Liverpool Football Club.

“The stock is rare and will be sold at some of our shops throughout the North West, helping us to raise thousands.”