Collingwood is pleased to announce that the Magpie Army and the Club’s Community Partner Coles have together generously donated $100k to the Magpie Nest program.

The announcement was made at the annual Magpie Nest Footy Finals Lunch at the Magpie Nest Café on Thursday where lunch was served to around 500 members of Melbourne’s homeless and disadvantaged community.

The fundraising took place leading into Collingwood’s Round 20 AFL match against Richmond. Ahead of the match, Commanding Officer of the Salvation Army, Major Brendan Nottle shone a light on homelessness by camping outside the Club’s AIA Vitality Centre for two nights.

The funds raised will go to support the Magpie Nest Program in serving food and providing housing to Melbourne’s homeless and disadvantaged community.

Commanding Officer of the Salvation Army, Major Brendan Nottle said:

“We’re excited to host another Footy Finals Lunch to help bring the finals to people who would never get to experience the finals,” Brendan said.

“This is more than just a partnership with Coles and Collingwood. It is a relationship which is transformative for the community and particularly for the most vulnerable.”

Collingwood CEO Craig Kelly said:

“Thanks to the Magpie Army for their generous contribution to the Magpie Nest program and also that from our community partner in Coles,” Kelly said.

“$100k is a significant contribution and it will greatly benefit the lives of Melbourne’s homeless and disadvantaged community.”

The Magpie Nest Café is operated by the Salvation Army (Project 614), with the support of Collingwood and Coles who together serve over 10,000 free meals each month.

More than 400 Coles team members volunteered at the Magpie Nest last year, contributing over 2,500 hours to help prepare and serve meals to vulnerable Victorians.

Donate to the Magpie Nest Cafe to support Victorians doing it tough.