On behalf of the Magpies Community team, we would like to send our best wishes to all Collingwood members and supporters.
It is an extremely difficult time for so many people, and we wanted to let you know about some of the work the club is doing to help those who are doing it tough. Just as we have done since 1892.
Collingwood was born at Victoria Park in times of great hardship. During years of depression and World Wars, the club brought people together and gave them a sense of hope and pride. A place to belong.
The Magpies always helped the needy and on-field success galvanised generations of fans. It’s why Collingwood has become the great club it is today and why the club is continues to help disadvantaged people during this period.
Our work in the community has never been more important than it is right now, and it is only possible because of the extraordinary support of our members and partners - and we can’t thank you enough. Last year the Magpie Army raised over $1 million through the Collingwood Cares Giving Day - it was an extraordinary effort by so many. At the same time, Coles came on board as our Major Community Partner and this year is continuing to provide extraordinary support to the Collingwood Foundation and the Magpie Nest Program.
Magpie Nest is our partnership with the Salvation Army to help the most vulnerable people in our society. People who experience homelessness, social isolation and extreme disadvantage.
Magpie Nest currently provides case management support and safe accommodation for people in fifty houses around Melbourne.
The Magpie Nest Café provides shelter and thousands of meals each week to people who would otherwise be sleeping rough on our streets.
Our women’s program supports women facing severe hardship, many of whom are the victims of domestic violence.
How we're managing the impact of Covid-19 on our programs
Players from all our teams support the program and volunteer their time in the café. Whilst in lock-down they are helping by cooking and donating meals.
Whilst the Magpie Nest Café was declared an essential service by the State Government we have had to close due to the risk of Covid-19.
Normally the café serves over 3,000 free meals each week and on average 180 people seek shelter at the café overnight.
Incredibly in just two weeks, Major Brendan Nottle and the Salvo's Project 614 Team have found accommodation for 203 people.
The focus now is on providing healthy meals to these people, to our Magpie Nest houses and to those on the streets. There are also many people who are unable to leave their homes and need help.
We are storing food in our kitchens at the Holden Centre and Coles has been fantastic, donating 2,000 frozen meals and providing on-going support.We are also receiving donations of food from Parliament House Kitchens, Second Bite, Coles and Café Latte.
Make a donation to Magpies Community
An update from Major Brendon Nottle of the Salvo's Project 614 Team
Stand with us on ANZAC Day and support the ANZAC Appeal
This week we would normally be celebrating one of the great events of the sporting calendar and supporting the ANZAC Appeal.
The measures required to suppress the COVID-19 infection rate mean that there will be no marches, reunions or gatherings on April 25 this year. There will be no football played, the way in which Collingwood, Essendon and the wider Australian Football community customarily honours the nation’s service men and women.
Collingwood, Essendon and the AFL will also stand together during a special ANZAC Day service that will be broadcast from the MCG at 1pm on Saturday. All football fans are being encouraged to wear their club colours and observe a minute of silence in respect of our veterans.
Watch the live broadcast of the ode and Last Post via collingwoodfc.com.au and sharing their experiences on social media, all as part of support for the RSL's #StandTo social media initiative and the ANZAC Appeal.
Make a donation to the ANZAC Appeal
Coles partners with Bravery trust in lead up to ANZAC Day
Coles has launched a fundraising campaign in the lead up to Anzac Day to enable Bravery Trust to support Aussie service men and women who have an injury or illness as a result of their service.
From today until stores close on Sunday 26 April, Coles will donate 50 cents from every pack of Coles Bakery branded cookies or biscuits sold at Coles to the Bravery Trust. Customers are also welcome to make their own donations in-store at the checkout.
Bravery Trust provides financial support to more than 800 veterans and around 3,000 family members of veterans each year to help them with medical fees, food vouchers, energy bills and education costs.
Read the full media release
If you would like to contact Magpies Community please visit magpiescommunity.com.au or contact us on email at community@collingwoodfc.com.au.
Thank you to all Collingwood members and fans for your amazing support. We hope that you feel proud of the work the club is doing to make a difference in our community.
We can’t wait for the day when we can all come together again to barrack for the Pies!
Go Pies!
