WHITES owner Ali Alhamad has paid a visit to homeless charity Alabaré, which has received more than £10,000 in club donations this season.
Mr Alhamad, an entrepreneur who bought Salisbury FC in the summer, announced in July that he would donate the club's bar takings to the charity, citing his Muslim faith.
He went to Alabaré's Somewhere Safe to Go drop-in service to learn how the proceeds have been assisting the charity’s drug and alcohol addiction programme.
The service, at Alabaré Place in Barnard Street, provides people with a warm meal, hot shower, chance to use laundry facilities and access to support services.
Up to 30 people attend the drop-in on any given day, and the winter months often being the busiest time of the year.
The charity reached the £10k milestone midway through the 2025/26 football season.
Mr Alhamad said: “The collaboration between the football club and Alabaré is of extreme value to me and seeing it here, being a small part of the work the charity does, is the icing on the cake.
“We know the charity, and they’re very famous for all the good work they do locally, so we’re happy to be a part of that and value it immensely.
“One of the goals that I set out from the beginning of coming into Salisbury Football Club was to be closer to the community, to try and do as much good as I can in the city.
“I certainly hope to learn more about Alabaré. It leaves a warm feeling in my heart to see all the good that the charity’s doing, so being invited along is greatly appreciated.”
James Tomlinson, director of strategic communications at Alabaré, said: “I was delighted to be able to show Ali around Alabaré Place and show him how the football club’s support is making a tangible difference to people at a crisis point.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the Whites board and fans for their support, and are excited for the rest of the campaign, both on and off the pitch.
“Football is a community sport, and it’s been great to see Alabaré clients and colleagues in the stands supporting, as well as helping with parking, stewarding and other roles on matchdays.”
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Whites home matches against Chippenham Town on Tuesday, January 27 and Weston-super-Mare on Easter Monday (April 6) will be dedicated to Alabaré.
Fans can expect to see special bucket collections around the Ray Mac Stadium, with the charity’s mascot, Roofus the dog, in attendance.
Mr Alhamad added: “We are really enjoying having the volunteers coming up from Alabaré, they’re doing a wonderful job and adding real value.
“The more the merrier, we could always do with more volunteers!”
