A charity football match, which saw the mhs homes spartans take on The Chats FC, has raised more than £2,000 for our Charity of the Year, the Swale Community Care Project.
The match, which took place on Saturday 11 May at Chatham Town Football Club, ended 3-3 after an enthralling game of football.
Some excellent early goals saw the mhs homes spartans take a 3-nil lead going in at half time. However, some tired legs, coupled with a flurry of substitutions from The Chats, led to an incredible comeback, with honours even at the final whistle.
The weather could not have been better and the mhs homes mascot, Ozzie the Ocelot, was out and about entertaining and mingling with the crowd.
As well as hot food and a bar, there was also a gift stall and raffle with some fantastic donated prizes to be won, including a range of gift cards, Love2shop vouchers, toys, and some day passes for Waterfront Leisure, among others.
mhs homes’ Rhys De Jersey, who organised the event, said: “I would like to thank all those who paid money to play in the match from both mhs homes spartans and The Chats FC. The donations from contractors was very generous.
“We will be playing one more big match as the overall score against The Chats FC is a tie. We are hoping for the next event to be even bigger, so watch this space!”
The grand total raised on the day was an amazing £2,089.50.
The Swale Community Care Project, a Kent-based charity that supports people living in poverty, by providing food, clothing and signposting to local community services, has already distributed almost 2.5 tonnes of food to those in need this year. This includes delivery of 152 food parcels, feeding more than 400 people.
Elaine Allen, a trustee of the Swale Community Care Project, said: “It was a fantastic and entertaining day that was made even better by the sun, sweat and smiles. We are amazed at the kindness and generosity of those that took their time to plan, play, support and donate to this family charity event. Thank you all so much.”
The charity has recently agreed rent terms with Age UK Kent Rivers and Sittingbourne & Sheppey Helping Ukraine for a combined charity venture to provide a Sittingbourne Community Hub in central Sittingbourne. This will include the charity’s existing foodbank, as well as a new clothes bank, community café and community fridge / freezer. It is hoped that the hub will open in mind-July, so watch this space!