Let’s show racism the red card

Trade unions including Unite, schools, workplaces and individuals across the UK will be wearing red on Friday (October 19) in a show of support for vital anti-racism campaigning that’s fighting back against division and hatred.

Show Racism the Red Card (SRtRC), a charity that Unite has long supported, is asking everyone to wear red tomorrow (October 19) and donate £1 to the organisation,  whose funding is heavily dependent on contributions after its government funding was totally axed six months ago.

SRtRC was formed in 1996 to use footballing role models to enlist young people in anti-racism drives.  Previous stars on the SRtRC team sheet include Thierry Henry, Ryan Giggs and Samuel Eto’o.

The charity goes out into communities, classrooms and football clubs and educates roughly 50,000 schoolchildren each year in England, Wales and Scotland about racism.

SRtRC chief executive Ged Grebby explained Wear Red Day’s significance.

“Wear Red Day is a chance for people across the country to help raise much needed funds for anti-racism education work,” he said. “Friday 19th October 2018 is all about uniting against racism for one day by wearing something Red and donating £1.”

“Racism affects everyone and each penny we receive from Wear Red Day will make a real difference to a young person’s life,” he added. “The funds raised during Wear Red Day will help us continue to support and educate young people and teachers throughout England.”

“Racism continues to be an issue in our society with many people suffering abuse each day. We believe that education is key in challenging racism in society. By working with the next generation in schools we can have a big impact towards eradicating racism and creating a better world in the future.”

Unite general secretary Len McCluskey hailed Show Racism the Red Card’s work and urged everyone to take part in Wear Red Day.

McCluskey called SRtRC his “favourite organisation” at a Wear Red Day launch event last month.

“I’m so impressed by the way it uses this beautiful game of ours, our national game, as the medium to teach our children, and our older children, about the issues of racism,” he said.

“It’s not just about kicking racism out of football, or protesting against the far right on our streets. It’s about kicking racism out of our communities and out of our workplaces,” he added. “Show Racism the Red Card gets that.”

Find out more about how you can take part in Wear Red Day, including making a donation, here.

Don’t forget to wear red on Friday (October 19) – post your Wear Red Day selfies with a Wear Red Day card using the hashtag #WRD18.