This week marks the EFL's Week of Action for 2023. Every day this week we are going to be celebrating the different things we are doing here at Cheltenham Town, and with the Cheltenham Town Community Trust, to support our local community.
To kick-off our week, we look back on the successful initiative where the club raised over £5,000. As a result, more than 200 Cheltenham Town shirts were donated to local children to ensure they received a present this Christmas.
In collaboration with Caring for Communities and People (CCP), we distributed all the shirts to young Cheltenham fans at Oakwood Primary School, Gardners Lane Primary School and St Thomas More Primary School. Owing to the fantastic support of the local business community and supporters, the club was able to create five times the impact in the local community, compared to 2021.
Businesses were urged to donate four shirts to the campaign if they could, with supporters being encouraged to add one shirt to the total, with entries into a prize draw included for those who generously took up this option.
Robins midfielder James Olayinka was on hand to help spread some festive cheer and support the campaign by appearing at Oakwood Primary to meet pupils, staff and deliver a large number of club shirts.
The club’s Head of Commercial, Richard Morris, commented on the campaign saying: "The level of support and engagement, from club supporters and commercial partners, in relation to this campaign and other community-led initiatives, enables us to make a significant impact in the local area.
"This year, with rising energy bills and a cost-of-living crisis, I’m pleased we’ve been able to offer our support and ease the financial burden for a larger number of families, via the Kitmas campaign."
Cordell Ray MBE, CEO at CCP added; "My gratitude extends out to all the fans, the heart of every club, and to the wider community and businesses for getting behind the campaign and making a difference to so many children."