Amazing response as fans and the U's help children across Oxfordshire
There has been a fantastic response to the ‘One of Our Own’ campaign, organised by OxVox and the Oxford United Community Trust to fund over 1,000 match day tickets for Oxfordshire children living in care.
Over £5,000 has already been raised to provide places for children from all across Oxfordshire and their carers on match days. The target remains £6,220 by 31 July to secure places for 40 young people and 10 carers to be at every home game.
There are currently over 600 children in Oxfordshire who are ‘looked after’ by the county council, with countless more made vulnerable by family upheaval or neglect. One of the things that the fantastic carers working with those young people do is, occasionally, bring them to watch Oxford United at the Kassam Stadium.
Kemar Roofe's signed home shirt (donated by an Oxvox member) is currently being sold for over £400 and there have been three bids of over £350 for framed JPT Final Shirts.
Simon Bradbury of OxVox said
“We are so grateful to the amazing donations from the fanbase and wider community, which have enabled the Trust to nearly achieve its aim in being able to purchase season tickets for Children in Care or Children on the edge Care in Oxfordshire.
“We should not underestimate the difference that we are all able to make, we will be bringing hope, aspiration and love to children who have not had the best start to life. For some, they have no family to call on, so we should all be hugely proud that 'we' will be inviting them into our 'football family' where they can have a release from the challenges and emotional issues they face on a daily basis.”
Liam Walker from Oxfordshire County Council added
“Many people will underestimate the impact that this initiative will create.
“The opportunity to bring young, vulnerable children to Oxford United matches next season, a club that is doing wonders in the community and the engagement that will bring, will have an immeasurable positive influence on their lives. The tickets will also be used for children on the edge of care, children who at times can be missed by the system.
“These season tickets will provide them with support and encouragement to keep them out of the care system. We will be working closely with The Children in Care Council within Oxfordshire County Council to distribute the tickets to the hundreds of children who will appreciate experiencing football in a safe, secure and positive environment."
Help us help ‘One of Our Own’. You can donate to OxVox’s campaign and read more here.