Anil Murthy: "Valencia CF are the best ambassadors for the city, and have a great responsibility”

LaLiga have praised the firm commitment shown by Valencia CF to helping the Valencia region, one of the cornerstones of Meriton Holdings’ project at the club. This Wednesday, the Spanish league published content on social media documenting one of the main charitable initiatives carried out by the club in recent weeks: The donation of non-perishable food and prepared meals for hundreds of families, as well as the lending of Mestalla to the Banco de Alimentos foodbank for use as a distribution centre.

It is one of several initiatives undertaken by the club and majority shareholder Peter Lim in Valencia, England and Singapore, during the global crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Spanish chef José Andrés, founder of World Central Kitchen and a devotee of helping those in need worldwide during the pandemic, visited Mestalla recently, and LaLiga covered his time at the stadium and published comments from Valencia CF president Anil Murthy.

“Valencia CF will continue to undertake this important role in Valencia, as we understand that football involves millions of people who are looking at us as social ambassadors. Whenever there are problems, we are there to help in any way possible. Valencia CF are the best ambassadors possible here for the city, and have a great responsibility.”

“We were the first to go to help the people and the government, who were looking for solutions to overcome this crisis,” Mr. Murthy continued.  “Our players also had an important role, joining together to make an economic donation to the Cruz Roja (Red Cross) to help those in need. The club provided 50,000 high quality masks for public hospitals, to ensure that healthcare workers were safe during this crisis.”

“Mestalla is our temple in the centre of the city. It was a pioneering stadium in opening its doors for the collaboration with chef José Andrés of World Central Kitchen and other social activities here in Valencia, to give food to people -many of whom had lost their jobs and were in need. It was a great success and we thank all of the collaborators who offered to work with us in this wonderful social project.”