Two of the AFL’s biggest clubs Richmond and Collingwood, will go head to head in the upcoming AAMI Community Series Match, with all fundraising efforts to go towards Foodbank.
The clubs will play for the inaugural Charity Shield at Ikon Park on Tuesday, February 27, with the funds going towards feeding 57,000 Victorians daily.
According to the Richmond FC, 628,000 homes around Victoria are going days without eating , with some unable to afford the food that keeps families and kids healthy.
Foodbank Victoria chief executive Dave McNamara said that families sacrificed food to keep a roof over their heads.
“We feed 57,000 Victorians in need every single day,” he said.
“That’s more than a packed Marvel stadium. We see people from all walks of life and pretty much every one of them has a footy team they love.”
Mr McNamara ensured that with this fundraising effort no one will be going hungry this footy season.
“Every dollar donated is two meals created. It’s that simple.”
Both clubs intend to make the Charity Shield an annual pre-season game, with funds going each year towards those that need it most.
Richmond chief executive Brendon Gale said many people across the community are doing it tough.
“Something as simple as putting food on the table is challenging,” he said.
“Collectively Richmond, Collingwood, and our members and supporters can make a significant difference to this, and we intend to do that by packing out Ikon Park later this month.”
Proving that footy fans can do more than support their clubs, Collingwood chief executive Craig Kelly said this match will make a significant difference to the lives of those in need.
“We know that for many people it is a daily struggle to put food on the table but from this match, we look to raise important funds for those in need of food relief and hope that this initiative will make a significant difference to the lives of many.”
To support the fundraising efforts, both clubs sought permission from the AFL to fully-ticket the match and requested an adjusted entry price for members.
Club members and the general public will need to purchase a ticket and members must upgrade to a paid ticket.
