Cardiff Foodbank has received a £20,000 donation from Metallica, a record for the charity as the largest celebrity contribution. The Grammy-winning heavy metal band made the gift through their foundation, All Within My Hands, following a concert at Principality Stadium on Sunday evening as part of their latest tour.
Foodbank appeal and donation
Two weeks before the show, the foodbank issued an urgent appeal for donations, reporting that its warehouse had never been "so empty" and expressing deep concern for the people it supports. Rachel Biggs, CEO of Cardiff Foodbank, described the moment the donation was offered. "We had an email saying 'This isn't a scam, please get in touch with the foundation,'" she said. "They said 'We are going to donate £20,000 to you.' It's an incredible amount of money which will make such a difference and replenish our empty shelves."
Impact of the donation
The £20,000 is equivalent to approximately 9,000 meals, providing crucial support for the 20,000 individuals who rely on the foodbank each year across eight centres in Cardiff. Biggs called it the "largest celebrity donation" the charity has received, surpassing a previous gift from Taylor Swift during her Eras Tour in 2024. That earlier donation, the amount of which was not disclosed, allowed the foodbank to purchase over one and a half lorries full of food. Swift is believed to have made unpublicised donations to around 1,400 food banks and other local charities during her UK tour stops.
Financial challenges and community support
Biggs estimated the charity's annual running costs at approximately £700,000, with demand remaining high while donations have fallen. "The number of people needing us is the same as last year, but our food donations have dropped by 27% and we've seen that reflected in the empty shelves," she said. "When this donation arrives in our bank account we'll be able to put in a bulk order and replenish stock and knowing the rest of the year we'll have the support of the community." She added that the cost of living crisis affects both the charity's operating costs and donors' ability to give. "The cost of living impacts all of us, it also impacts our running costs and we know our donors are generous, but we know the cost of living is pinching their pockets too."
Fan and volunteer reaction
Foodbank volunteer Eddie Cawston, a Metallica fan who attended the opening night concert, praised the band's gesture. "It shows that people who can make a difference are prepared to make a difference," he said. "They'll make a phenomenal amount of money from the tour and they're giving to us and other foodbanks as the tour goes along. It's brilliant."
Metallica's charitable initiatives
Metallica launched the All Within My Hands foundation in 2017, dedicating a portion of ticket sales to support various charities and food banks globally. In addition to the financial donation, the band is collaborating with the Welsh Blood Service to encourage fans to donate blood and plasma during their stay in Wales, with concerts scheduled through July 3.
