Bolton Wanderers are delighted to announce that their upcoming Sky Bet Championship home clash against Aston Villa has been designated as the club’s official Community Fixture for the 2017/18 season in conjunction with Bolton at Home.
The aim of the day is to bring the Bolton family together by inviting community groups, charities, sports groups and individuals, with them joining together for a special half-time parade at the fixture itself.
And also this term, the club will also be donating £5 from each ticket sold in the Carrs Pasties North Stand to Bolton Wanderers’ designated charity partners for the 2017/18 campaign, with the funds being shared amongst:
- Derian House Children’s Hospice (National Charity)
- Zak Vali Foundation (Local Charity)
- Daytrippers Bolton (Associate Charity)
- Urban Shift (Associate Charity)
- The Joshua Wilson Brain Tumour Charity (Associate Charity)
Speaking regarding the game, Phil Mason – Head of BWCT and Club Chaplain – said, “Bolton Wanderers and the Community Trust are delighted to be supporting and working with Bolton at Home and hosting a special community match day.
“A community is about the family, support, friends and being part of a neighbourhood. Bolton at Home are more than a provider of social housing in Bolton - within the community, they play an important part in offering support in neighbourhoods and the wider community and help in making Bolton a better place for many people.
“Through the support of Bolton at Home, the Community Trust are able to deliver the Premier League for Kicks programme in some of the most deprived areas of Bolton and help in reducing anti-social behaviour and in giving participants a more positive outlook on life.
“This in turn gives the young people involved greater self-esteem and helps to build their aspirations, while we have seen lives changed through this programme and young people look to a new direction and have hope for the future.
“This is just one of over 30 programmes that we now deliver into the wider community of Bolton through the work of the Community Trust. This great partnership with Bolton at Home helps us get out into the wider community to engage in our projects that help narrow the gap of disadvantage in health, education, inclusion and disability through a whole variety of sports and activities.
“Our Community Game is a celebration of our community here in Bolton when we will welcome a variety of people who join us for the day and form a half-time parade to celebrate those who have been real stars in their community.”
Jon Lord, Bolton at Home’s Chief Executive, echoed Phil’s sentiments by adding: “We work with the Wanderers to create stronger communities across our town.
“So, it’s fitting that this year’s half-time parade will celebrate local people who have been outstanding in supporting communities over this last year.
“We recently held our Stars of the Community awards to recognise volunteers and groups who dedicate themselves to making a difference where they live or work.
“Their achievements include litter picking, preventing loneliness among older people, saving others money, providing food, taking a stand against antisocial behaviour, and overcoming addiction and homelessness to inspire others.
“These individual efforts can be life changing for many people. The community match allows us to say thank you with match tickets and gives fans on the day an opportunity to show their appreciation for some of the outstanding volunteers we have in Bolton.”
Bolton at Home have also launched their Working Wardrobe initiative to give unemployed men and women across Greater Manchester the best chance of making the right impression at a job interview.
They are aiming to support people who have worked hard to secure job interviews but who might not have the means to buy smart clothes for it.
Once referred to Working Wardrobe, they will have the opportunity to choose an outfit and accessories at no cost, which will be theirs to keep. They will also give them free and quality interview preparation advice.
Should the customer be successful in their interview, they can return to them and receive in-work support for as long as they need it.
They are also planning to open a store in the near future. In the meantime, people can donate any unworn or gently worn suits or smart clothing.
Johnson’s the Cleaners have partnered up with Bolton at Home, providing clothes drop-off points at their stores and dry cleaning the donated items free of charge.
For more information, phone 01204 329545 or follow @wwardrobebl1 on Twitter.