CHILDREN’S advocacy and foster care organisation Berry Street will be in the spotlight for North Ballarat Roosters’ first home game, under lights, at Eureka Stadium.
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The Roosters will donate from entry fees to their Victorian Football League clash with Geelong Cats to Berry Street programs. The move is part of the club’s ongoing commitment to support regional charities in home games.
This showdown is expected to draw about 3000 to 4000 spectators to a revamped Eureka Stadium. The playing surface has been resized, realigned and resurfaced during the summer. Powerful new light towers bring illumination to VFL night-game standard. A grassy mound offers improved spectator viewing.
Berry Street’s Ballarat out of home care manager Kelvin Meloury said it was an exciting time to partner with the Roosters as a club sponsor. But working with the club for the first home game was an honour and offered Berry Street children something a little extra special.
Children in Berry Street programs had a chance to tour the Roosters’ Eureka Stadium facilities and attend training on Wednesday.
“This experience has moved from a commercial arrangement into face-to-face meetings...it offers kids a chance to feel part of the community,” Mr Meloury said. “ A lot of kids in care can feel disconnected from the community. Sport can be a chance to get involved and feel part of something. Everyone is equal on the football field.”
Mr Meloury said the chance to be at the gate on Eureka Stadium’s opening night also allowed the community greater understand of Berry Street’s work.
Berry Street supported 1,219 children and young people across the Grampians region in youth programs last year. The family violence team takes more than 160 calls per month and this year foster carers have offered 94 children a safe haven.
Roosters spokesman Sam Wiltshire said the bigger the crowd, the more support the club could offer Berry Street.The Roosters’ home game is next Friday, April 22, against Geelong. Opening bounce is 7pm. Tickets at the gate.
