Arsenal FC are proud to have released ‘Fundraising Day’, a promotional short film starring Cesc Fabregas, Theo Walcott, Andrey Arshavin and Bacary Sagna dressed as furry animals in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity (GOSH), the Gunners’ Charity of the Season.
The light-hearted film sees the players and club manager Arsène Wenger join forces with four patients from the hospital as they embark upon the streets of London to raise funds for the charity.
‘Fundraising Day’ reflects the players’ support for the children and their families who are treated at the world-renowned hospital as they will be donating a day’s wages to help raise funds on November 29 when Arsenal dedicates its Premier League match against Chelsea to the Charity.
The club is encouraging supporters to give what they can through the ‘Be a Gooner. Be a Giver.’ campaign which has a £500,000 fundraising target over the 2009-10 season and this dedicated match day will be a milestone for the partnership on the road to achieving this goal.
The advert was created and shot by the agency, Brothers and Sisters, and includes a voiceover by dedicated Gooner and national treasure Barbara Windsor MBE, who is also a former patient and long-time supporter of Great Ormond Street Hospital.
The film will appear on www.beagoonerbeagiver.org from today in the run-up to the dedicated match day and aims to encourage supporters to join in and donate through the site.
Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas who stars in the advert and is donating a day’s wages said: “I visited Great Ormond Street Hospital back in August so I know what this means to the charity and the patients.
"I encourage all supporters to follow our lead and give what they can. This advert is a bit of fun for the players and we hope supporters enjoy it, but there is a very real message in it about helping this Hospital and we hope to raise lots of money for this worthwhile cause.”
Arsène Wenger added: “The team and I have met some patients from Great Ormond Street Hospital on several occasions throughout the partnership so far and we’re all struck by the strength and courage they show in fighting their illnesses.
“We understand the importance of helping to improve the facilities at the Hospital and we’re encouraging all Arsenal fans to help in whatever way they can.
"The dedicated match day highlights the work of the Charity and gives players, staff and supporters the chance to do something, however small, to help reach this target.”
