Season › 2015-16 › News

Blues help Carlisle flood relief effort

Everton fans are supporting a campaign to help FA Cup opponents Carlisle United to continue their vital community outreach work in the wake of the devastating floods that hit the region last month.

The Blues’ Fans’ Forum are spearheading an effort to raise money for Carlisle United’s Community Sports Trust to help the Club continue the work it does in the community as resources become focused on getting Brunton Park ready following the devastating floods.

Carlisle United will divide the monies raised equally with its official charity partners – Carlisle Key, which works closely with disadvantaged and homeless young people, and Hospice at Home, which helps families dealing with serious illnesses and conditions.

Over £7,100 has been raised by the Everton’s Fans’ Forum including a £5,000 donation to the Just Giving Fund from Everton Football Club.

Nick Mernock, Chair of Everton’s Fans’ Forum, said: “Like Everton, Carlisle United are a beacon of their community and we believe our upcoming game presents an opportunity for us, the fans, to play our part.

“In consultation with Carlisle United, we have decided to do something to help and they have confirmed that funds raised will go to their Community Sports Trust, itself a registered charity, to help the Club pick up its vital community outreach programme in the wake of the devastating floods, along with two of the club’s official charities.

“We are reaching out to Evertonians and football fans everywhere to make whatever donation you can - the price of an extra pint or cup of coffee will contribute to make a difference and to help Carlisle United and the local community with their recovery efforts.”

Carlisle was among the worst affected areas by Storm Desmond, with around 2,000 homes and businesses flooded and even Carlisle United’s stadium left underwater after rivers burst their banks following the huge amount of rainfall.

In a true demonstration of unity with the community, Carlisle United’s first-team squad and manager Keith Curle took to the streets around the stadium to help clear houses in one of the worst-hit parts of the county and, in return, dozens of volunteers helped to clear debris from Brunton Park.

Carlisle United's media officer Andy Hall, said: "This gesture from Everton fans is another example of how the football family comes together in times of adversity. The response from the football community to the situation we have found ourselves in has been overwhelming and it is clear to us now that we are not alone.

"I would like to thank Evertonians, on behalf of the community of Carlisle, for doing this for us and for two fantastic charities. It means a lot and we feel humbled by what has been done at a time when we most need help."

Evertonian and former Carlisle midfielder Steve Soley has also backed the campaign by donating a pair of signed Leon Osman boots that will be auctioned for the fund.

To contribute to the fund, simply visit https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/everton-fansforum.

 

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