EVERTON in the Community (EitC) took over Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday 19 September as part of its annual Community Day, ahead of Everton’s Premier League fixture against Ipswich Town.
The official charity of Everton Football Club had a major presence throughout the stadium, raising awareness of its work across the Liverpool City Region and highlighting the importance of continued fundraising to support its more than 50 programmes.
Ahead of the 3.00pm kick-off, Everton in the Community staff and volunteers were out in force, with activities showcasing the charity’s award-winning services alongside family-friendly challenges on the Plaza.
Supporters were also treated to an energetic performance from the Katumba samba band on the Fan Plaza and Everton Way before the action moved inside the stadium.
Evertonians were able to visit several EitC information hubs on the Fan Plaza to learn more about the charity’s impact across the local community and the support available through its programmes.
Fans had the opportunity to speak with Everton in the Community staff about a wide range of initiatives, including its cancer support programme, free BEAT Breathlessness heart and lung screenings, mental health and wellbeing support, employability services and support for veterans.
EitC’s fundraising team was also on hand to speak to supporters about upcoming challenges and events, including the Liverpool Santa Dash and Tough Mudder. Fans were also given the opportunity to enter a prize draw to win a signed Dewsbury Hall shirt in return for a small donation.
Activities on the day included an inflatable goal shootout, darts and giveaways.
EitC volunteers also provided a guard of honour as the players entered the pitch. At half time, supporters welcomed participants from Everton in the Community’s community engagement programmes, while two volunteers took on the club’s Hit The Bar challenge.
Established in 1988, Everton in the Community is the charitable arm of Everton Football Club and uses the power of football to help drive social change and address challenges facing communities across Merseyside.
For nearly 40 years, the charity has delivered award-winning, life-changing and life-saving support to people across Liverpool 4 and the wider City Region.
Speaking ahead of Community Day, Everton in the Community Chief Executive Sue Gregory said:
“Our annual Community Day fixture allows us to bring our work directly to our fantastic fanbase and showcase the life-changing work we’re committed to all year round.
“It’s a chance to show the positive impact Everton Football Club and Everton in the Community are making together, and to reach more people who may benefit from our 50+ programmes.”
Supporters can find out more about Everton in the Community and how to support its work through the charity’s website.
