Taylor Swift, the global pop phenomenon, continues to prove she’s not only a star on stage but also a hero behind the scenes through her philanthropic efforts. Following her sensational performance at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, Swift donated to Cardiff Foodbank, continuing her tradition of supporting local food banks throughout her Eras Tour and giving back to the local community.
Cardiff Foodbank quickly expressed their gratitude on social media, calling the donation “beyond [their] Wildest Dreams.” Swift’s act of kindness has shone a spotlight on the critical work food banks do, especially during times of heightened need.
Rachel Biggs, CEO of Cardiff Foodbank, also praised the pop sensations’ contribution. “We are thrilled that Taylor Swift has decided to support Cardiff Foodbank to leave a lasting and positive impact on Cardiff,” she said. Although the donation amount remains undisclosed, Biggs confirmed it was “a generous amount, that will make a huge difference” in their operations. Last year, Cardiff Foodbank distributed over 20,000 emergency food parcels, part of the 187,000 handed out by the Trussell Trust Network across Wales.
In a delightful touch, the charity thanked Swift with a message crafted from friendship bracelet beads, a nod to the fan tradition at her shows. Swift’s team passed along her “personal thanks to everyone working at Cardiff Foodbank for what they do,” highlighting the hard work of their nine staff members and 200 volunteers.
Cardiff Foodbank hopes Swift’s generous gesture will inspire others. “If you can continue Taylor’s legacy, I would encourage you to donate to your local food bank wherever you are in Wales,” Biggs urged. (Link below)
The connection between Taylor Swift and her Welsh fans was electric from the start. As she stepped onto the stage, she greeted the 67,000-strong crowd with “shwmae” – Welsh for “hi” – setting off a wave of ecstatic cheers. Her performance included thoughtful nods, such as her red and green outfit, which fans interpreted as a tribute to the Welsh flag. “This is my very first time getting to play a show in Wales and look at this,” she said.
She sprinkled her set with Welsh phrases, including “Croeso i daith Eras” – welcome to the Eras tour. The highlight? Her dancer dramatically says “ych a fi” – meaning “disgusting” – during the performance of “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together.” Swift wrapped up her three-hour extravaganza with a heartfelt “diolch o galon” – thank you from the heart.
Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour isn’t just about the music; it’s about making a meaningful impact. Take her recent stint in Liverpool, where she performed three nights at Anfield Stadium and donated enough to St. Andrew’s Community Network to cover a full year’s worth of meals.
“It’s the most incredible gift,” said Rich Jones, chief executive of St. Andrew’s Community Network, in an interview with The Guardian. “Because of rising prices, rising need and falling donations, we’ve been having to subsidize our food ourselves for a long while.” He added, “But it’s fair to say that Taylor Swift has essentially paid our food bill for 12 months – and that gives us the breathing space to focus on fundraising efforts going forward.”
As Swift continues her global Eras Tour, her efforts in Liverpool and now Cardiff exemplify her commitment to making a positive impact. With each city she touches, Taylor Swift leaves a legacy of kindness and generosity, and we’ll be cheering loud and high for her every step of the way.
To learn how you can donate to the food banks, click here for more information!