A week ago, children’s charity Barnardo’s was given center stage for the Leeds Rhinos’ Super League encounter against Warrington Wolves, thanks to charity partner Leeds Building Society.
As part of the charity takeover day, Leeds Building Society gave its customary advertising space and jersey sponsorship for the game to Barnardos.
Matchday tickets were also donated to children and families sponsored locally by Barnardo’s, allowing them to experience the thrill and excitement of a live rugby match whilst watching the Rhinos surge to a 36-12 victory.
Limited-edition Barnardo’s-branded shirts worn by Rhinos players during the game will also be auctioned off, with the revenues going directly to Barnardo’s services.
The charity cooperation aims to raise awareness about the difficulties that young people encounter when they leave the care system. Young people who grew up in foster care or a residential care facility are significantly more likely to struggle in adulthood, with more young care leavers being homeless, in poor health, and unemployed than other young people.
The cooperation intends to highlight Barnardo’s and Leeds Building Society’s continued efforts to help these young people achieve brighter futures. Barnardo’s has a long history of assisting young people when they first leave care and understands the difficulties they experience.
That is why we are urging the government to expand the support available to these young people, such as providing free bus passes and access to rent deposits and guarantors to assist them as they make the tough journey to adulthood.
Leeds Building Society hopes to raise £300,000 within three years to assist Barnardo’s activities.
Lynn Perry, Chief Executive of Barnardo’s, said: “It was a joy to attend this weekend’s game and hear the stories of young people leaving the care system with such a huge crowd. We are tremendously thankful to the Leeds Rhinos and the Leeds Building Society for allowing us to use this platform.
“Parenting does not end when a child reaches the age of 18, and neither do our responsibilities to young people in state care. This is especially essential given that one-third of care leavers become homeless within two years of leaving care.
“We hope that the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill will include a nationwide offer of support for young people exiting foster care and children’s homes. Too often, the help a young person receives when they first leave care is based on where they reside rather than what they require. We and our partners will continue to raise awareness about the needs of young people leaving care, as well as what needs to be done to ensure that all young people have the opportunity for a bright future.”
Nikki Dixon, Director of Brand & Marketing at Leeds Building Society, stated, “We are proud to support Barnardo’s through our long-standing partnership with the Leeds Rhinos.” Young people who have been through the care system are among the most vulnerable members of our communities, and it is critical that we spotlight the issues they confront.
“Our relationship with Leeds Rhinos has always been built on shared values and it’s a privilege to be able to use this platform to fundraise for Barnardo’s and make a positive difference where it’s needed most.”
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