Flo, the former striker, officiallyed open Jack Winter’s Leg Up Legacy, a re-purposed prison van staffed by ex-offenders, in memory of Winter,19, who died of cancer last year. (2018) at Brixton Prison.
Working with Key4Life, an award-winning social justice charity, the newly transformed burger van will provide employment opportunities to ex-offenders.
Tore André Flo said: “I’m delighted to support the Key4Life YOUNITED campaign which helps ex-offenders find jobs.
“This former prison van is staffed by former inmates who have turned their lives around and is dedicated to the memory of Jack who was a fervent Chelsea fan during his short life before he was cruelly taken by cancer.
“Jack was a fighter and I’m calling on more employers to fly the YOUNITED flag above their businesses and give a second chance to those who want to take their first steps back onto the job ladder.
“Many ex-offenders have great skills and knowledge, all they need is the opportunity to prove it again.”
Key4Life founder, Eva Hamilton, MBE, said: “It’s wonderful to see so many people coming together to try and make a difference in the lives of our young men.
“Our programmes are specially designed to give ex-offenders the best possible chance at turning their lives around but we need employers to get on board if we are going to make a real difference.
“I’d also like to say a special thank you to Tore for his support and to Jack and his family and friends. Their generosity in the face of adversity is truly inspiring and is helping to turn young men’s lives around for the better.”
The £60,000 burger van has been funded by Jack’s Leg Up Legacy made up of donations from Jack’s friends and family to commemorate Jack’s life and support others in need.
The van will be unveiled outside Brixton Prison at 10.15am on Sunday to mark the launch of Key4Life’s official YOUNITED campaign which aims to encourage employers to give ex-offenders jobs.
Supporters will then embark on a seven mile sponsored walk alongside some Key4Life programme participants, who will be mounted on horseback, to Wormholt Park in White City to raise money and awareness for the charity.
There will be a party atmosphere in the park where there will be live music, football workshops with Chelsea FC and Queen’s Park Rangers, plus England Boxing.
Flo played 100 games for Chelsea over a sparkling 3 year career in West London before being snapped up by Rangers in a record £13 million deal in 2000 making him the most expensive Norwegian player ever.
He hung up his boots in 2012 and is now the Loan Player Technical Coach at the West London club.
