Melbourne City FC and City in the Community Melbourne is proud to announce that $30,000 will be donated to leading food rescue charity, SecondBite, as part of the Club’s Cityzens Giving for Recovery campaign to support the people of Victoria following the COVID-19 pandemic.
City stars Scott Jamieson and Melissa Barbieri presented the donation to SecondBite CEO Jim Mullen at the Club’s community 5-a-side pitch at Malahang Reserve on Monday afternoon.
Following a three-month period of fundraising, City in the Community – with the support of the City Football Group (CFG), SecondBite, Melbourne City FC members, players and staff, and the broader football community – raised over $105,000 to support children returning to education following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Of the total figure raised, SecondBite will receive $30,000 from City in the Community which will provide the equivalent of 150,000 meals for people Experiencing food insecurity in the community.
Alongside SecondBite’s substantial contribution to those in need in our local community, City in the Community has commenced the road to COVID-19 recovery by returning to local primary schools and assisting children by helping them return to physical activity and providing educational support. The team will commence six new programs in six new schools around Melbourne in Term 1, 2021, before expanding as the year progresses.
SecondBite Chief Executive Officer, Jim Mullan said: “Working with the team at Melbourne City FC has been a positive experience for all involved.
“The collective efforts of Melbourne City FC and City in the Community has made a significant impact on the amount of food SecondBite are able to rescue and redistribute to meal programs. Supporting children returning to education with nutritious food after a tumultuous year is a bonus made possible for us by the City in the Community Melbourne team.”
Melbourne City FC Head of Community, Sue Crow said: “We are extremely proud to partner SecondBite as we continue our path to supporting the local community and those in need on our journey to COVID-19 recovery
“With the funds raised, SecondBite will have an enormous impact by rescuing and redistributing food to community members who need it most. This will complement the work we continue to do as part of our Cityzens Giving for Recovery campaign.
“Alongside SecondBite’s meal supply, we will assist children and families who are struggling with the return to school process. Our team will help bring the joy back through football fun and educational support through our Homework and Breakfast Clubs, while also providing a healthy snack to thousands of children across Melbourne.”
City in the Community’s Breakfast and Homework Club sessions provide a safe environment for students to socialise and participate in physical activity as well as complete their schoolwork with the support from the team’s Young Leaders when needed.
