13 Nov 2008

The former Sheffield Wednesday and Crystal Palace striker was the first person to donate a jersey to the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy charity shirt amnesty, which aims to provide youngsters in a South African community with tops to play in.

Working alongside international development charity World Emergency Relief (WER) Johnstone’s launched the colourful idea – entitled One Common Goal - with Mark Bright at the Johnstone's Leyland decorating centre in Barking this week.

And after giving a shirt from a vast collection he assembled during a glittering playing career, Mark called on all football fans to follow his lead, by dropping off replica tops to their nearest Johnstone’s Paint decorating centre.

He said: “This is a priceless new cause that will make a massive difference to football lovers in South Africa, who are less privileged than many of us in the UK.

“Shirts and football kit will be shipped out to Paarl East, a South African community, which will allow people there to train and play in far better equipment than they are used to.

“Every donation is greatly appreciated and I hope fans up and down the country rally behind this initiative.”

The WER charity is developing a football and community programme in Paarl East, called ‘Kick it into Play.’ On the back of the World Cup in South Africa in 2010 and the excitement within the local communities, WER and their partners will use the donations to encourage individuals and teams and through football address the many social issues, which young people are facing.

As a small thank you, Johnstone’s Paints will reward anyone who donates their shirt with a ‘One Common Goal’ t-shirt and automatic entry into a prize draw giveaway to win some fantastic prizes.

Marketing Director Steve McIntyre said: “We are delighted that Mark agreed to launch our shirt amnesty and thrilled with the early feedback from our decorating centres.

“We have already received scores of shirts from a number of fans. And our decorating centres in Wales are even receiving rugby jerseys.

“The Johnstone’s Paint Trophy is passionate about its community work, and this initiative is a perfect match for us.

“We are calling on all fans to donate their club shirts – new or old - next time they visit their local Johnstone’s Leyland Decorating Centre or participating stockist.”

For your nearest Johnstone’s Leyland Decorating Centre visit www.paint247.co.uk and click on the store locator.

Johnstone’s. Bringing colour to the beautiful game.