Melbourne City FC and City in the Community Melbourne is proud to announce that over $105,000 has been raised for our Cityzens Giving for Recovery project to support Victorian children returning to education following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ahead of the campaign, the City Football Group (CFG) pledged to match each dollar raised to help support our local community. With the unwavering support of the City family, the football community and City in the Community Melbourne, we have raised a substantial figure that will support communities and children across Victoria.
Melbourne City FC fans, players and staff came together to fundraise a number of fundraising initiatives, including online auctions, live webinars and priceless football experiences. Principal Partner Etihad Airways also dedicated the front of shirt space, ordinarily bearing the Etihad logo, to the campaign during our match with Sydney FC last season, with shirts auctioned as part of the cause.
A big thank you to @etihad for supporting our #CityzensGiving for Recovery campaign, with the boys wearing this bespoke jersey for #MCYvSYD on Saturday.
Find out more about @etihad's contribution to #CityzensGiving, Etihad Wellness & bid on the jerseys ✈️ https://t.co/OfyfyTmjJH pic.twitter.com/mcdIkX6uSd
— Melbourne City FC (@MelbourneCity) July 30, 2020
Of the total figure raised, 30% will be donated to leading food rescue charity and our Cityzens Giving for Recovery partner, SecondBite, which amounts to a substantial contribution to the local community, donating over 150,000 meals to those in need.
City in the Community will begin the process of supporting children who have been hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic when they attend their first session back at school on Wednesday 28 October. The team will commence six new programs in six new schools around Melbourne in Term 1 2021, before expanding as the year progresses.
Melbourne City FC CEO, Brad Rowse said: “As a Club, we’re extremely thankful for the generosity shown by the football family during a difficult period, especially here in Melbourne.”
“The funds we have raised will make a significant difference to those in need in our local community. During what has been a tough period for many families and communities, the true power of the football community to rally together and support one another has been on show.”
Melbourne City FC Head of Community, Sue Crow said: “We are very proud of the work we’ve been able to do throughout the lockdown period, we’ve been able to deliver a number of programs online, but it’s now time for us to head back out into our community and support those who need it most.
“With the support of SecondBite, 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.”
In the last 12 months, there has been a 25% increase in Victorians seeking food relief from charities, a number that is expected to drastically grow following the pandemic.
With a number of children now struggling to adapt to the learning from home set up, City in the Community want to support these children and their families with their return to school.
Our attention now turns to helping young children and their families return to school. Keep an eye out on the Club’s official website and social media channels to track our journey as we support the road to recovery.
The closure of schools during COVID-19, has had a severe impact on the most vulnerable girls and boys of our community. These include:
- Interrupted learning: Schooling provides essential learning and when schools close, children and youth are deprived opportunities for growth and development.
- Poor nutrition: Many children and youth rely on free or discounted meals provided at schools for food and healthy nutrition.
- Rise in dropout rates: It is a challenge to ensure children and youth return and stay in school when schools reopen after closures.
- Social isolation: Schools are hubs of social activity and human interaction.
City in the Community Melbourne will kick off the recovery campaign with a Homework Club session at Dallas Brooks Primary School where they will assist children with their homework, reading and any other academic needs for 30 minutes before participating in 30 minutes of fun physical activity including learning new football skills.
City in the Community’s Breakfast and Homework Club sessions provide a safe environment for students to socialise as well as complete their schoolwork with the support from our team when needed.
On behalf of Melbourne City FC and City in the Community Melbourne, we would like to thank everyone for their generous contributions throughout the fundraising period.
Our attention now turns to helping young children and their families return to school. Keep an eye out on the Club’s official website and social media channels to track our journey as we support the road to recovery.
