Grimsby Town Football Club were delighted to donate the profits from sales of their third shirt to the Shalom Youth Centre this week and announce which charity will benefit next season.
The eye-catching pink strip, which was designed by two young supporters as part of a competition run by the Mariners Trust, has proven a big hit and, as a result, the Club have been able to make an £8,000 donation to the charity based on the East Marsh.
With the funds, the Shalom Youth Centre will now be able to make some much-needed improvements to their building, as its founder Cannon John Ellis explains.
“We are so thankful for this generous donation from GTFC. In these difficult and troubled times, it is gold dust for children and young people to have somewhere safe and secure to meet with their friends – that is also completely free of charge.
“We plan to put this funding towards replacing the roof over the entrance. This Perspex structure has been in place for 30 years and the material is completely perished and leaking like a sieve. So, thanks a million, friends!”
Grimsby Town’s Chief Executive Debbie Cook also shared her thanks to the fans who purchased the shirt and revealed which other local charity will benefit from the sale of the 23/24 third kit.
“Thanks to the incredible support of our fans, the GTFC Board has been able to donate profits of £8,000 from the sale of this season’s third kit, designed by Bella and Molly, to the Shalom Youth Centre.
“We will shortly be announcing plans for our supporters to help design next season’s third kit and I’m delighted that the GTFC Board has agreed that profits from the sale of that kit will go to Harbour Place, a charity in Grimsby doing wonderful work for homeless people in the Town.
“We know how much small local charities rely on raising vital funds to operate and during this cost of living crisis their services will likely be needed by more people than ever.”
Harbour Place support those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness throughout North East Lincolnshire. They operate the area’s only Night Shelter, which is open every night of the year. Their Outreach team identify and engage with rough sleepers and provide expert support to help clients bring positive change to their lives.
Speaking of the Club’s decision to donate the profits of next season’s third kit to Harbour Place, Andrew Brown, Chair of their Board of Trustees said:
“The work that we do would not be possible without the fantastic support that we receive from the local community. GTFC have an outstanding connection with our local community, so this initiative will mean that so many more people hear our story, and it will obviously provide vital funds at a time when our challenge has never been greater.”
“On behalf of everyone connected with Harbour Place, I would like to thank Jason, Andrew, Debbie and everyone at GTFC for this incredibly generous offer of support. We are incredibly humbled by this and will make sure that every penny raised makes a difference.”
