In a surprising twist during ITV’s Soccer Aid, viewers were addressed by Martin Lewis, renowned Money Saving Expert, prompting them with a critical message. The event, taking place Sunday evening (June 9), and led by Dermot O’Leary and Alex Scott, was momentarily suspended as Lewis presented viewers with an eye-opening reminder.
For the millions thinking about making a contribution to UNICEF through this year’s charity football game, Lewis had an important proposition to share. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but I have some important information,” he directed the Soccer Aid audience.
Though most individuals recognise Lewis for his practical warnings that often save money for astute consumers by advocating for bank switches and entitlements, he made this unexpected appearance to ensure Soccer Aid donors could make their contributions multiply towards the event, which, according to reports from the Express, raked in million for the UN’s children’s charity, UNICEF.
Lewis, now in his early fifties, disclosed that charities throughout the UK miss out on hundreds of millions of pounds each year through unclaimed Gift Aid donations. With an earnest appeal, Martin urged the citizens of the UK, and specifically viewers in Glasgow, to make their donations to UNICEF count more through Gift Aid.
“During most payroll periods, tax deductions account for about 20% of the payout. However, with Gift Aid, when you donate to a charity, the organisation receives both your money plus the tax taken out, ” he explained.
He persuaded viewers to leverage Gift Aid for their donations to Soccer Aid. “A simple £20 donation to UNICEF turns into £25 when you say yes to Gift Aid. That’s an extra £5 at no additional expense to you. For those in a higher 40% tax bracket, UNICEF still enjoys the 25% uplift from your Gift Aid and you can claim back more which can then be donated as well,” Lewis continued.
The presenter of Good Morning Britain concluded his segment by encouraging viewers, especially those from Glasgow, to consider leveraging Gift Aid for all future charity contributions. This year’s Soccer Aid was held at Stamford Bridge, home of Chelsea FC, and saw football legends Frank Lampard, Harry Redknapp, and Robbie Williams join forces against Mauricio Pochettino, returning as the manager for the Soccer Aid World XI team.
The rest of the line-up was brimming with celebrities including cricket legend Stuart Broad, I’m A Celebrity’s Sam Thompson, Strictly Come Dancing’s Bobby Brazier and EastEnders star Danny Dyer. World XI witnessed the participation of Roman Kemp, Usain Bolt, Martin Compston and Lee Mack, among others with Sam Matterface and Love Island’s Iain Stirling providing the commentary.
The England team, which had not tasted victory since 2018, managed a 5-3 triumph, marking a celebratory victory. Launched in 2006, the event has raised a phenomenal £90 million for charitable causes worldwide including countries like Cambodia. This year’s event added another £15 million to the fundraising tally, taking the Soccer Aid total to £105 million.
