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CCAFC, biggest amateur football club in the UK, is raising funds for Darlington and Co. Durham’s Rape & Sexual Abuse Counselling Centre
Darlington and Co. Durham’s Rape and Sexual Abuse Counselling Centre (RSACC) and Durham University’s Collingwood College Association Football Club (CCAFC) are teaming up to once again to support survivors of sexual violence by holding a sponsored 24hr charity football match with all proceeds going directly to the charity.
CCAFC chose to support the charity last year, and as well as having the RSACC logo on their football shirts, have already undertaken a 24hr charity run though Durham City. But the COVID pandemic has significantly impacted the financial support the club wished to raise for the charity.
Dan Aichen, 4th year student and member of CCAFC’s executive, commented:
“Sexual violence is endemic throughout our society, and sadly colleges and universities are no exception. We believe by raising awareness of this amongst our peers, and by challenging the toxic masculine behaviour that supports a rape culture we will help to reduce sexual violence.
RSACC does fantastic work supporting survivors through expert counselling and other services, but we know that they have an ever increasing waiting list, with some survivors waiting up to 9 months before they can receive the support and care they need. Therefore, as well as raising awareness, it’s vital that we raise as much money as we can to help survivors get support for their trauma and to hopefully lead healthier lives.”
RSACC offers a number of specialist and expert services to survivors, this includes a Helpline; Counselling; an Independent Sexual Violence Advisory service to support survivors through the criminal justice system, a supporting Peer Group as well as offering training.
Isabel Owens, Deputy CEO, RSACC commented:
“It’s been fantastic working with CCAFC and we have been overwhelmed by their determination – and even in the face of a global pandemic – to raise vital funds for us. Every year is tough for a charity like ours, but this year has been particularly bad for survivors. Lockdowns have further impacted their trauma, and for some limited their ability to escape abusive homes. Every pound raised for us, means a survivor is closer to moving off our waiting lists and into our counselling rooms.”
The match kicks off on June 11th at 12pm and will run until midday the next day. It will take place at Collingwood College’s Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA): Collingwood College, South Road, DH1 3LE.
Dan concluded:
“This is such a worthwhile cause, and we’ve been really pleased with the support we have received so far. We have a JustGiving page for fundraising, but would also really welcome any donations from local businesses to support our raffle.”
The JustGiving link to donate is: http://ow.ly/1a7x50EWIF3
The club have created a promo video just for the event – introduced by talkSport’s man in the North East, Graham Courtney. CCAFC | Facebook
For more information, please contact Karen Leech on 07399 855998