It's hard to believe that it'll soon be 5 years since Michael passed away. He's always on our minds a little more than usual at this time of year, and I wanted to do a fundraiser in his memory, on what seems like a big milestone.
In his line of work as a community officer, Michael often organised "midnight football" events on weekends and holidays in Comber. They were always popular and distracted local young people away from the parks and street areas to spend some time taking part in a community event instead. It helped to encourage them to feel part of their town, enjoy good-natured (if occasionally bruising!) sport against their enemies the grown-ups and, in general, make better decisions for themselves that day.
In that theme, I have decided to raise the money for Street Soccer NI, who share many of these values. They use football as a hook, not only to help people back out in to their community, but also through working with local addiction, housing and mental health staff, remove the barriers that stop people getting the help they need to get/stay on track. Street Soccer NI has groups in Belfast & L'Derry and fundraises annually to send both a men's and women's Northern Ireland team to the homeless world cup, a totally life-changing event. As a local charity, the money raised will instantly and directly impact local people and having worked with them before, I can not put in to writing just how effective they are at changing lives.
Please donate whatever you can in the spirit of Michael Robinson, his love for football (YNWA!) and achievements in serving his local community.
I will match the donated amount, up to £200. (Edit - you've been so generous already, thank you! I'll keep upping the target amount as we hit it)
Thank you, Jenni x
