Story added: 27th August 2020

Canary supporters donate over £175,000 to the charity

Norwich City Community Sports Foundation (CSF) Chief Executive Officer Ian Thornton has thanked supporters that donated their 2019/10 Season Ticket or Membership rebate to help reduce the impact of COVID-19 on the charity.

In May, Mr Thornton wrote an open letter to supporters, to highlight the estimated £500,000 loss of income that the charity was facing in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the vital services that were under threat as a result.

Supporters responded by donating a fantastic total of £175,000 (including gift aid) from the rebate scheme, which will help to replace some of the lost income from many cancelled fundraising events this year.

In a letter to donors, Mr Thornton explained where the money would be used to help sustain particular projects, including:

• The Foundation’s work with homeless people to improve employment and independent living prospects.
• Sports sessions that break down barriers for people with disabilities, helping them to enjoy sport in a comfortable environment, with the added benefits of improving confidence and social skills, while providing respite care for their families.
• Sports participation, workshops and positive experiences for young people in high-need areas – another vital project for improving the prospects of young people and reducing youth crime. Sessions also provide mentorship and guidance for those specifically at risk of exposure to violent crime.
• Weekly social and exercise sessions for over-55s to help avoid inactivity and social isolation, which can be huge issues in later life.

Mr Thornton said:

“Everyone at the Foundation is touched by the generosity of supporters at what remains a difficult and uncertain time. We feel that this response to the rebate opportunity reflects the pride felt by supporters in the club’s community work, and we are incredibly grateful for this support as a lot of that work takes on an even greater significance.

“We still face challenges as an organisation; since the rebate scheme the Foundation has suffered the cancellation of its largest fundraising event, Run Norwich, which has added to our original estimate of lost income.

“At the same time as working to replace that lost income, construction of the new building at our community hub The Nest is nearing completion and we have £100,000 left to raise from our Build the Nest campaign.

“We will continue to work hard to serve the community, and it has been wonderful to see participants return to sessions where safe to do so, including on the new 3G pitch at The Nest.”