The Rams Family Support project will launch this winter to help fans through a number of new initiatives.
It will focus on the key elements of food, family and fuel in reaction to the cost of living through an overarching programme of activity.
The initiative will relaunch the football club’s commitment to the Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance, the central food bank hub for the city.
Fans will be encouraged to bring donations of tinned and dried goods throughout winter, with a major drive running in the lead up to the home fixture against Sheffield Wednesday fixture on Saturday 3rd December (12:30pm kick-off).
Building on the incredible work of the Rams Family Fund, the Community Trust will continue to accept donations to purchase tickets for those who may not usually be able to attend games.
The Community Trust will also be working with fans to provide innovative ways to donate to the fund, including upcoming raffles and prize draws.
Also being launched is the Rams Family Stars competition, where fans are invited to nominate a family who deserve recognition. Winning families will be invited to a game of their choice, as well as receiving a voucher towards their Christmas food shop.
You can nominate your Rams Family Stars here.
The biggest part of the project will see the introduction of the Community Corner at Pride Park Stadium. Taking over the space currently occupied by The Backyard in the North West Corner of the stadium, a range of community sessions will run from the venue.
From the new year, the Community Trust also be welcoming families to attend a weekly meal, learn more about healthy eating on a budget and gain advice on money management. Vitally, the venue will act as a ‘welcome space’ across the colder months, where people can visit to save money on their own fuel bills.
Fans will be able to support the initiative through purchasing a space on this year’s 1884 Wall, which will be on sale throughout December. All proceeds will be directly invested into the Community Corner, allowing the Rams to help more fans and families.
Simon Carnall, Head of Community at Derby County Community Trust, said: “The Rams Family Support project wants to play a vital part in our city’s response to the ongoing cost of living challenges.
“As the charitable arm of the football club we respond to local need, and this winter we knew that to be able to offer a new central venue as an open-access support hub would play a crucial role in helping families.
“Alongside the activity taking place at the Community Corner, we’ll be ramping up our support for the Food 4 Thought Alliance, who have already seen demand increase by 25% in response to rising bills.
“Derby County is at the heart of our community, and just as fans have been here to support us, we recognise that this winter it’s crucial for us to give back and support families wherever we can.”
Fans will be able to back our efforts in a number of ways, with details being shared about each part of the campaign in the coming weeks.
