Two projects at the heart of Bristol Rovers are set to benefit from the new Utilita Giving logo on the front of our 2023/24 away shirt.
Utilita, who have been front-of-shirt partner since the 19/20 season, are this year including their charity partner in the deal.
Not only will the logo feature on the front of the away kit, but Utilita Giving will donate £2 of every away shirt sale to North Bristol & South Gloucestershire Foodbank and Operation Christmas Hamper.
With the shirt going on sale in the store and online today at 12pm, the club will be looking to exceed record sales of its away kit that were seen last season and raise as much as possible for the two great partners.
Utilita Giving will support individuals, families and households who are experiencing fuel and food poverty across England, Scotland and Wales, and who meet the charity’s purpose and eligibility criteria.
The charity will also assist groups and organisations whose intentions match that of Utilita Giving, helping people in fuel and food poverty.
Rovers have a long-standing partnership with the North Bristol & South Gloucestershire Foodbank and have collected for them at match days on a yearly basis, with fans and players giving their support on the day.
Operation Christmas Hamper is the brainchild of Rovers fan Charlotte Churchill and has grown so quickly, that last year the club handed over the Thatchers and Bristol bars to her and her volunteers, for a whole weekend to sort and package hampers.
Charlotte said, “I was absolutely delighted to initially receive the call from David Bright at BRFC explaining about Utilita giving. This was quickly followed up with an online meeting with Utilita giving and I was blown away by the generosity that was coming the way of Operation Christmas Hamper.”
“I can’t tell you what a difference this will make. Last year was hugely successful but with this sort of backing I hope we can support double the amount of families we did last year.”
“I am so grateful.”
Keira Meadus from Utilita Giving said: “Our partnership with Bristol Rovers is one that has flourished since day one and although it didn’t come as a surprise, we are absolutely delighted the club have agreed to support Utilita Giving in such an incredible way.
“The club are helping the charity reach some of the most vulnerable people in Bristol and the surrounding areas.
“North Bristol & South Gloucestershire Foodbank and Operation Christmas Hamper are two initiatives that share very similar goals with Utilita Giving.
“It will be an absolute pleasure to donate a significant sum to both of them, and this will be all thanks to the club and the fans.”
The club will provide updates throughout the season on the number of away shirts sold, and share further stories on how this money will help both parties in their 2023/24 plans.