Ignite Sport UK partner with Oxford City FC, The Oxford Food Company and FitFest Oxford to support families in need during lockdown

Four community spirited Oxfordshire companies have joined forces with schools to help families with vital supplies during the latest lockdown - and have appealed for help.

Apprenticeship and sports training provider Ignite Sport UK have partnered with Oxford City Football Club, The Oxford Food Company and FitFest Oxford to supply boxes of essential items to families in need during the current lockdown.

They are working closely with local schools, preschools, community groups and many other Oxford-based businesses to collectively coordinate the smooth distribution of support packages for families that require additional help.

The provision of vital supplies is being made possible thanks to donations, and the group has appealed to the community to give what they can to help make a bigger impact. Financial donations can be made via a Go Fund Me page and people can also drop off items for inclusion in the care boxes.

Within days of going live, the Go Fund Me page exceeded £1,000. The family sized care boxes will contain a variety of food, essential toiletries and sporting equipment, and are prepared safely onsite.

They are being distributed via a network of community groups - families can also pick-up care boxes directly from a COVID-19 safe collection point at Oxford City FC. Schools receiving care packages this week are St Joseph’s Primary School, St Nicolas’ Primary School and New Marston Primary School.

If you would like to donate products directly there is a list of required items, they include: Breakfast cereal, tinned soups, pasta, rice and noodles, tinned vegetables, fruit, bread, biscuits, cheese, crackers, custard, baby food, hand wash, toilet rolls, hand gel, cleaning spray, nappies, washing up liquid and tampons. Plus, sports equipment suitable for children including balls, cones, skipping ropes and racquets.

Justin Merritt, Managing Director of Ignite Sport UK and Oxford City Football Club, said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has presented challenges to all of us.

“But for many families, particularly while schools are closed, the pressures have increased significantly. There are so many examples of community spirited companies across all sectors in Oxfordshire that have gone the extra mile to help make a real difference to those who require support in these difficult times.

“I am sure the great Oxfordshire public will get behind it and help us deliver as many care boxes as possible. Every small donation will collectively make a big difference. I’d like to thank everyone that has donated to the cause so far, it really is appreciated.”

If you would like to arrange a drop off of essential items at Oxford City Football Club, please email donate@ignitesportuk.com where a safe and COVID-19 secure collection time can be arranged.

Alternatively, to donate funds that will be used to purchase items for the care packages, visit our Go Fund Me page: Fundraiser by Ignite Sport, Oxford City FC, Oxford Food Co Fitfest Oxford : Family Food & Health Boxes (gofundme.com).

Ignite Sport UK is a registered training provider for sport and education qualifications, working in further education, apprenticeships, and adult education. It is the official community partner of National League South football club Oxford City.

Based at Oxford City’s Velocity Stadium, The Oxford Food Company caters in some of the city’s most respected departments of the University of Oxford and local businesses. FitFest Oxford is the county’s largest fitness and wellness festival and will return this year on July 3 at Oxford City FC.