Football brings joy to many, and that sentiment is behind the launch of the "Blue Family" campaign by Everton and its official charity Everton in the Community.
Everton are keen to ensure they maintain contact with fans and provide vital support and assistance to some of the most vulnerable, socially isolated and at-risk members of the community in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
💙 | Fresh food intended for players and staff at our USM Finch Farm training headquarters has been donated to North Liverpool Foodbank. @EITC #BlueFamily
— Everton (@Everton) March 20, 2020
Help us help those in need: https://t.co/ZIL4dOiTgw pic.twitter.com/Snp77iMM4Z
Following the closure of all club sites, Everton will be providing £50,000 to fund the launch and initial activities and will be reallocating club and community staff to ensure the effective delivery of the campaign.
"Everton has never shied away from its responsibility as a club at the heart of the community," Everton CEO Professor Denise Barrett-Baxendale told the club's official website.
"As we face up to a new reality brought by the coronavirus pandemic, we are embracing that responsibility more than ever."
Maintaining presence in the community
Since temporarily suspending the delivery of most of its sessions last week, Everton in the Community has introduced a number of measures including regular calls and messages to members of the community and arranging access to emergency food and care parcels.
Fans can donate to the cause and refer people they believe may be in need of hearing a friendly voice.
