The support of Derby County’s fans who have backed the return of the 1884 Wall, an installation outside the South Stand, has seen over £14,000 generated for Harrison’s Hub, the new community venue within Pride Park Stadium.
The funds will specifically be invested into Community Meals, which are set to take place at the hub each Thursday, to support families and individuals who are tackling the rising cost of living and social isolation.
Harrison’s Hub opened its doors in November 2022, and is providing support through a number of projects, including Communi-tea, Hub not a Pub and the continuation of the Food Donation Hub in partnership with the Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance.
Community meals also took place before Christmas, supporting families who have recently received food support from the city’s central food bank, and for Ukrainian families who have recently arrived in Derby.
Derby County Community Trust launched the initiative in 2021, and last year fans’ contributions allowed the Sensory Room to continue running throughout the club’s administration battle.
Debbie Jones, who works for Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance, said: “Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance and Derby County Community Trust started working together at the start of the pandemic, where the stadium became one of the main donation hubs in the city.
“Over the last two years we’ve worked together at Easter and Christmas on key campaigns, we’ve had so much food and so much support from the fans. This extension of providing hot meals for those in need, at a time where so many families are really trying to balance their finances, will be so gratefully received by so many.”
Simon Carnall, Head of Community at Derby County Community Trust, added: “Since opening Harrison’s Hub we’ve been trying to support families through the ongoing cost of living crisis in any way that we can. We strive to provide opportunity for all and raising the funds to allow us to deliver these weekly community meals is amazing.
“The response to The 1884 Wall has yet again been incredible and we are truly grateful to all the fans who have purchased a space to allow us to continue the Rams Family Support project.
“It’s been the perfect way of working together as a football club to help families this winter. From the catering team who source and cook all of the meals to the staff who are volunteering their time each week to ensure everyone is looked after in the hub, people from across the entire club are playing their part.”
The Community Trust are welcoming applications for community meals through derbycountycommunitytrust.com, on the Harrison’s Hub page.
Fans can also show their support by dropping into other sessions available at Harrison’s Hub - again with all details being found on the Derby County Community Trust website.
The 1884 Wall will remain in place for a full calendar year, with spaces going back on sale in December 2023.
