The Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha Foundation will make its first major donations under its new name this spring, to coincide with the late Leicester City Chairman’s forthcoming birthday.

Khun Vichai, one of five victims of a tragic helicopter crash at King Power Stadium last October, would have turned 61 on 4 April, 2019.

And to mark the occasion, the Club’s charitable foundation, renamed in his honour, will donate up to £610,000 to causes in need through a campaign named ‘Gift Of A Wish’.

Khun Vichai’s birthday became a memorable fixture in the Leicester City calendar during his chairmanship, defined by his famed generosity to supporters during the nearest home matchday, where beer, cakes and gifts were the order of the day. And in maintaining that spirit of giving, the Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha Foundation will grant a number of wishes in his name.

Charities and organisations of all sizes, supporting all types of cause and in need of various sums will be able to put projects forward for consideration. Applications will be studied by the Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha Foundation Board of Trustees and a senior working group from within the Club.

Leicester City CEO Susan Whelan said:

Khun Vichai’s benevolence and generous acts were as varied as they were plentiful and it’s important that his Foundation continues in that spirit. He treated modest causes with the same respect and dignity that he showed to major beneficiaries and it is in that manner that we will continue to support those in need in our community.

There were many causes close to Khun Vichai’s heart, which we would naturally like to see reflected in Gift Of A Wish. He cared deeply about people and their impact within the community, which will be a major consideration for the Foundation when assessing what I’m sure will be a great variety of applications.

In eight years as Leicester City Chairman, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha endeared himself not only to the Club’s supporters, but to the people of the city with his renowned kindness and philanthropy. As well as personal donations of over £4M to major causes such as Leicester Hospitals and medical research at the University of Leicester, Khun Vichai regularly offered private support to more modest causes in the city, with no desire for public recognition.

Following his death in October, the LCFC Foxes Foundation – the Club’s charitable arm he established to support causes in need in our community – was renamed in Khun Vichai’s honour. The Foundation continues to support worthy causes in Leicestershire and beyond.

Applications for support, detailing the nature of your cause, project and requested donation, should be submitted via the following form online.

Image: Leicester City FC