Earlier this year Oldham Athletic Community Trust (OACT) launched the Food For Thought initiative, with the aim to provide support to members of the local community.
Through the purchase and delivery of free fruit and vegetable boxes during the national lockdown. Now in the lead up to Christmas, and with a second national lockdown implemented, the 'Food For Thought Christmas Appeal' was launched to provide essential food for those in need during these tough times.
Inspired by Marcus Rashford and his campaign to ensure no child goes hungry, Oldham Athletic wanted to ensure families in the local community didn’t go hungry over the festive period. This initiative included all parts of Oldham Athletic Football Club - first team players, club officials, academy/youth team, OACT and girls amd women. In addition to the football club, partners within the OACT school network have supported the initiative with a series of collections and events held at schools across Oldham.
Following several weeks of collections, OACT are now delighted to announce that together we have collected over 13,500 items, enough to fill Boundary Park!
Martin Vose, OACT Head of Community, commented: "We are all completely blown away by the response by our community to the Food For Thought initiative, together we have completely smashed our initial target out of the park.
"Initially, we wanted to collect and distribute 1,250 items, to link in with the clubs 125 anniversary. We now estimate that we have collected over 13,500 items. To put that into context that is enough items to fill Boundary Park.
"I'd just like to say a huge thank you. Together we have really made a difference across Oldham this Christmas."
Our distribution partners who deserve huge praise:
Oldham Foodbank, Reel CIC, Firwood Church, Boxes of hope, Planet Mercy, Full Circle, Alexandra Children Centre & Coldhurst Children Centre.
And our Food For Thought donation partners:
Oldham Athletic first team and club staff, Oldham Athletic academy, Oldham Athletic Girls & Women, Oldham Athletic Community Trust, Hey With Zion, Horton Mill, Beal Vale, Newman College, Canon Burrows, Westwood, Royton Hall, Kingfisher, St Theresa, Mather Street, St Pauls, Royton & Crompton, Hathershaw & South Failsworth.