21st November 2013
Former Yeovil Town defender, recently named in the team of the Decade,  Steven Caulker has called on the generosity and help of all Yeovil Town supporters and commercial partners in his mission to reach a charity target that really could change young lives for the better.
A proud fundraiser for @ActionAid, an organisation dedicated to ending the extreme poverty that kills twenty eight children every minute of every day, Steven has set a fundraising target of £75,000 to make a big difference to youngsters in Kambia, Sierra Leone. It’s a campaign all at Yeovil Town are proud to support.
Steven has donated one of his England Shirts, signed by him of course, a brand new pair of Steven Caulker boots, again signed by him, and a signed Wigan Athletic Shirt from Steven Crainey which was donated after Sunday’s game.
Yeovil Town are holding a silent Auction for the three unique prizes to help raise funds towards his £75,000 target figure.
So let’s all get together to help Steven by emailing jhealey@ytfc.net by midnight on 23rd November with your bid for each individual item. It’s as simple as that.
If you would also like to donate to Steven’s cause you can do so by visiting Steven’s Just Giving page here where you can make a direct donation.
Speaking of his new undertaking, Steven told us, “My connection to Sierra Leone, one of the poorest countries in the world comes from my grandfather. Although the civil war there came to an end in 2002, it left behind extremely difficult conditions due to the destruction of schools and hospitals, taking away many of the basic things we take for granted on a daily basis.
“The people in Sierra Leone need our help, but they are also more than willing to work hard themselves. All they lack are the funds and resources to help build a better life for their children and future generations. That’s where we come in.
“My goal, with the help and support of many good people is to build a school that would include six classrooms and basic facilities, including a water well and hand pump on site. The school would initially benefit around three hundred kids, which would rise year on year.
“With the selfless and much appreciated backing of @ActionAid, along with those kind enough to donate, including the fantastic support of Yeovil Town fans, the dream is to raise the £75,000 target by March 1st 2014. I then hope to make the trip to the school site when time allows to speak to the children and get my hands dirty, helping with the building work and seeing how the money is being put to good use.
“Hopefully the prizes on offer will help us reach our goal. Thanks to everyone who has helped out so far, and to those who play a part in making this school a reality.”
Steven kicked off the donations himself by pledging £10,000 recently, with the current JustGiving total at £11,790 raised, approximately fifteen per cent.
To help raise awareness, Steven has even set up an account on Twitter. You can follow his fundraising efforts and learn of new prizes and winners by following @AfricasChild14. Make sure to spread the word.