Charlton Athletic have launched a fundraising appeal as it’s community trust continues to try to support the most vulnerable in society during the coronavirus pandemic.
Staff and volunteers at the Community Hub, which Charlton Athletic Community Trust (CACT) run in conjunction with partners including the Royal Borough of Greenwich, have been busier than ever over the past few months.
Due to issues around Covid-19, it has received over 83,000 calls, made 8,425 referrals and delivered 3,376 food boxes in partnership with the Greenwich Co-operative Development Agency (GCDA).
And earlier this month, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan highlighted the Connect project CACT delivers in partnership with local authorities as “one of the standout successes of our Young Londoners Fund”.
CACT’s Street Violence Ruins Lives project also recently won the EFL’s Divisional Project of the Year award.
On CACT’s work, Phillip Hunnisett, whose 90-year-old aunt lives in Eltham, said: “She was concerned how she would buy her food but CACT came to the rescue and for over the past two weeks food purchases have been delivered by volunteers.”
The Trust has also continued to keep in touch with participants from programmes such as the Extra Time Hub it runs in partnership with the EFL Trust.
On that scheme, Dorothy Walker said: “Since the lockdown, no-one can go to the hub any more but they’ve rung me every week to check if I’m ok and ask if there’s anything I need, which I think is absolutely marvellous”.
READ MORE: Charlton Athletic leading the way against Homophobia – but football still needs to do more
Counselling has also continued as an online service, and sessions on CACT’s Upbeats Down’s syndrome programme and Premier League Kicks have resumed in person following government and FA social distancing guidelines.
Jason Morgan, CACT’s Chief Executive, said: “I’m incredibly proud that we have been able to help so many people affected by coronavirus and lockdown. We have heard from many people who are grateful for the support during a really difficult period.
“We’re launching this fundraising appeal to ask for help so we can continue to support the most vulnerable in our community”.
Visit the Charlton Athletic Community Trust (CACT) website for more information or to donate click HERE.