As part of the Premier League Supports campaign this week, West Ham United have recognised Irons Supporting Foodbanks Founder John Ratomski as the Club’s ‘One of Our Own’ recipient.
The ‘Premier League Supports’ campaign gives clubs the opportunity to celebrate the positive impact they have on their local communities. The campaign will be visible on-pitch at all Premier League fixtures between 1 April and 9 April.
To mark the campaign, West Ham United has recognised Ratomski as the Club’s ‘One of Our Own’ recipient, with a special presentation taking place ahead of the Club’s fixture against Southampton at the London Stadium.
Ratomski was honoured due to the outstanding work he undertakes in the local community through Irons Supporting Foodbanks.
He and his fellow volunteers collect and deliver food and clothing to homeless centres across Newham. In December 2019, Ratomski and his team were given permission to collect donations for the Newham Foodbank based in Beckton. Following a successful trial collecting at a West Ham United home game, Irons Foodbanks were given permission to continue collecting at all of the Club’s home games at the London Stadium and are now collecting approximately £700 per game in food value and cash, which is donated to homeless centres.
With the help of the West Ham fanbase, Irons Supporting Foodbanks now supply approximately £750,000 a year in food and new clothing into the east London and Essex community.
West Ham United Ambassador James Collins, who presented John with his personalised Premier League Supports print and scarf, said: “West Ham United is proud to recognise John as the Club’s ‘One of Our Own’ recipient as part of the Premier League Supports campaign.
“Irons Supporting Foodbanks provide vital help for those in the community who are most in need, and that is only possible because of people like John and his fellow volunteers. They donate countless hours of their time to help others.
“John fully embodies the values of our Club by making such a positive impact in the community and for all Hammers, he absolutely One of Our Own!”
Irons Supporting Foodbanks have a longstanding relationship with the Club, and Joint-Chairman David Sullivan has made several personal donations throughout the years, including when he helped to fund the purchase of a new delivery van, which helped to collect and deliver food and clothing to homeless centres across Newham.
For more information on Irons Supporting Foodbanks and how you can support, please click here.
