Community Day saw Bristol Bears fans come out in force to raise an incredible £16,049 to support the life-changing work of the Bristol Bears Community Foundation.
The annual matchday showcased the club’s award-winning charity with an afternoon of programme demonstrations, activities and games before Bears turned on the style to defeat Exeter Chiefs 52-38 as more than 20,000 supporters packed Ashton Gate.
Everyone who purchased a ticket for the fixture helped support the Foundation, with the club donating £1 from every ticket sold towards the charity, while further fundraising on the matchday ensured Community Day was a huge success both on and off the pitch.
Community Day was focused on supporting the Foundation’s Bright Sparks programme, which is aimed at improving access to sports, education, and wellbeing for some of the most disaffected young people in the most deprived areas of our city.
Bright Sparks harnesses the Bears brand and the power of sport to work with young people with challenging behaviour in local secondary schools, providing the tools to those who struggle in a traditional classroom setting to reach their potential.
Jamie Skinner, Bristol Bears Community Foundation CEO, said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make Community Day such an overwhelming success. A special thank you to the club for the generous £1 donation from every ticket sold, which confirms its commitment to its work in the community through the Foundation.
“The funds raised by the matchday will enable us to continue our vital work through Bright Sparks and to deliver a year-long intervention programme working across 10 secondary schools, targeting 15 boys per school who need our support the most. We couldn’t do this without the fantastic support from the club and our community.”
Tom Tainton, Bristol Bears Chief Operating Officer, added: “The success of this year’s Community Day is a testament to the amazing generosity of our supporters, and we are incredibly proud to play our part in helping the Foundation continue its fantastic work. The relationship between the club and Foundation is stronger than ever. We are excited about how we can continue to work together to positively impact the lives of the people in our city.”
Through the Bright Sparks programme, Community Foundation staff provide a different kind of support for young people, helping them to form positive relationships with their peers, teachers and families, through the power of education and rugby.
The programme engaged 180 boys in secondary education last year with 92% saying Bright Sparks enabled them to improve their attendance, punctuality and behaviour.
Thank you for supporting the work of Bristol Bears Community Foundation! Click here to find out more about the work of the club’s official charity in Greater Bristol.
