COLES FUEL MAGPIES’ RECLINK PROGRAM

The Collingwood Magpies Community Football program has received a much-needed boost from Coles for its 2023 campaign.

The club’s community partner Coles has committed to supply the team with fresh fruit and healthy food options to support the program’s participants, which includes individuals of disadvantaged communities.

Coles’ donation was a timely one, announced on the eve of Collingwood’s 2023 season.

Across the fixture, Coles will provide a match-day lunch to all participants along with a variety of healthy fruit snacks at each training session.

This support stems further than the side’s 13-round campaign, with participants able to seek food support post-season for the remainder of the year.

Coles Group General Manager Corporate and Indigenous Affairs Sally Fielke said Coles is delighted to provide the club’s most vulnerable athletes with nutritious food.

“Coles has been a proud partner of the Collingwood Football Club’s community foundation and programs for the past five years and we’re excited to be able to provide extra support this season to their Reclink community team,” she said.

“We know that many of the Magpies’ Reclink players are facing personal challenges, including access to healthy and nutritious food before, during and after their footy matches.

“We hope our donation will go some way to helping these players lead healthier, happier lives.”

The Collingwood Magpies Community team competes in the

Victorian

League participants made up of many multicultural and First Nations players under the guidance of coaches Shane Williams and former Collingwood AFL player Daniel Wells.

This year is the team’s second campaign under the Collingwood name. The Collingwood Magpies Reclink program became Collingwood’s eighth team after the club partnered with the side in July 2021.

Established in 2008, the program has provided more than 200 participants with an opportunity to improve their social, physical, and mental health.

The program creates opportunities for individuals faced with homelessness, mental health issues, unemployment and drug and alcohol dependence by providing participants with social connection, improved health and wellbeing pathways, and access to support services through football.

Along with Collingwood’s AFL and AFLW sides, the Reclink team will wear Collingwood’s 2023 Sir Doug Nicholls Round guernsey this year.

The program is supported by contributions and partnerships with Victoria Police, Headspace Collingwood, and Youth Support and Advocacy Service (YSAS).

Wells, Collingwood’s Talent ID and Community Ambassador, thanked Coles for their generous contribution to the program.

“Coles is a key part of the Reclink program’s operation, and this donation is an example of their continued support for the side,” Wells said.