Morrissey recently donated a whopping sum of £50,000 to the youth club he and his band made globally famous.
Morrissey donates massive amount
The gift comes when Salford Lads and Girls Club is required to raise £250,000 before the end of November to avoid closure. The red-brick Grade II-listed Edwardian building has become a mecca for Smiths fans after it was the backdrop for an iconic photograph of the group that was used on the inner-sleeve of their album The Queen Is Dead in 1986 and later on the back of The Very Best Of album.
Morrissey has a fair share of history of helping out the club. In December 2007 he gave £20,000 after lead was stolen from the roof and urgent repairs were needed to the building.
However, his latest donation could be a game-changer for the institution on Coronation Street, Ordsall.
Earlier this month the Manchester Evening News revealed the 121-year-old club with a proud history of fostering young talent and a mission to ‘Brighten Young Lives and Make Good Citizens’ was in serious financial trouble.
Laura Slingsby, head of youth operations at the club said: “We are deeply grateful for Morrissey’s generous donation to Salford Lads and Girls Club. His support is more than a financial contribution; it’s a powerful endorsement of our mission and a tribute to the club’s enduring role in the lives of young people and the cultural heart of Salford.
“For over a century, Salford Lads and Girls Club has been a place where young people can come together, find their voices, and develop identities rooted in heritage. Morrissey’s connection to the club, immortalised through iconic moments in music history, has created a lasting cultural link that resonates deeply with the young people here.
“His contribution reinforces the importance of preserving spaces like ours—places where young people connect with their community’s history, freely express themselves, and build the confidence they need for their futures.
“Three weeks into our campaign, we’re close to reaching our goal, and Morrissey’s support has brought us even nearer to keeping our doors open. We are incredibly thankful for the outpouring of love and solidarity we’ve received and urge everyone to continue spreading the word, raising awareness, and standing by the next generation of Salford Lads and Girls Club members.
“As a youth worker for nearly two decades, it feels like yesterday that I was a young person myself, dancing around to “This Charming Man.” Today, that same “charming man” has made a profound impact on our club. This is a place where I have the honour to advocate for, empower, and ensure young voices are heard above the noise in today’s society.
“At its heart, youth work is about creating a sense of identity and belonging. It’s about giving young people the freedom to be themselves, dream, and feel proud of where they come from. Through our work, we’re helping young people discover their potential and find confidence in their community and unique identities.
“Morrissey’s support is a testament to how much this mission matters—not just to those of us working with young people but to everyone who treasures Salford’s legacy. I’m incredibly passionate about this work, and seeing that same passion echoed in others is overwhelming. Together, we’re brightening young lives and ensuring that light never goes out.”
She added: “At first it was anonymous but we knew there was a donation coming. Then his representatives said he would be donating £50,000 and that he didn’t wish to make a statement but he is happy if it helps us to go public with it.”