A release from the Aston Villa Foundation. I am very proud to be a part of this and to be asked where the money I raised with your massive help should be directed.
You can still donate up to 15/01/2018 mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/thefear
The release reads:
As part of the club`s ‘Supporting Our Own` initiative, the Aston Villa Foundation have launched a new small grant scheme to help community groups increase sport and physical activity amongst local residents around Villa Park.
The grant has been made possible thanks to the efforts of Villa fan Jonathan Fear, who recently raised over £2,000 in sponsorship for the Supporting Our Own campaign after completing the inaugural Birmingham International Marathon in October.
Jonathan`s fundraising efforts will be matched by Aston Villa through a contribution of gate receipts from the club`s pre-season friendly against Watford in the Graham Taylor Memorial fixture.
The grant scheme aims to support local charities and voluntary groups and increase activity amongst people of all ages by providing small grants of up to £200 or £500, covering costs of sports equipment or training for volunteers.
The grant will be open to organisations based in the following areas of Birmingham:
Erdington – Kingstanding, Stockland Green, Erdington and Tyburn wards
Perry Barr – Oscott, Perry Barr, Handsworth Wood, Lozells and East Handsworth wards
Ladywood – Aston, Soho, Ladywood and Nechells wards
Fundraiser Jonathan Fear said: “I have been absolutely delighted to see the massive strides that the Aston Villa Foundation have been taking throughout 2017 to deliver the best possibly benefits to the local community.
A wise man (once sat next to him) #avfc #utv #fightlikelions pic.twitter.com/PWUWJyz8Zk
Vital Villa (@VitalVilla) November 23, 2016
‘This is what football clubs should be doing and I have no doubt that Aston Villa will succeed in continuing to make great strides.
“I was so pleased to have been able to be the first fan fundraising for the Supporting Our Own initiative and have to say I`m extremely proud to have been asked to sit on the committee to decide where the money raised will be spent.
‘I was keen to support increasing opportunities in sport and physical activity, because I feel it is crucial to give people of all ages and walks of life the opportunity to participate.
‘There are many sports stars in the world that would never have achieved anything without an initial leg up but not only that, there are an awful lot of people who have found the right path in life via the discipline and structure, along with the fun and enjoyment, that sport and being active can bring.”
The closing date for the applications is Friday 19th January at 5pm. To obtain a copy of the full eligibility criteria for the grant and an application form, please email foundation@avfc.co.uk.
More grant opportunities will be announced in the new year to support projects across the Aston Villa Foundation`s strategic themes of health and wellbeing, education and learning, inclusive opportunities and community relations.
If you would like to find out more about raising funds for the Supporting Our Own initiative, please contact guy.rippon@avfc.co.uk.
You can still donate up to 15/01/2018 mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/thefear
