CUSC London Branch donation to help blind and visually impaired
Carlisle United’s Chief Executive Nigel Clibbens and Sales and Marketing Director Phil King were given a Capital welcome in London last week when CUSC London Branch presented them with a cheque for £2,000 at their Friday evening AGM.
The donation, raised by members of the 40 Club* - set up by the London Branch as part of their 40th Anniversary celebrations - will be used to help the Club purchase commentary equipment for the visually impaired and blind, and camera equipment to be used for the pay-per-view United PlayerHD platform and official YouTube channel.
London Branch chairman Ian Jardine said: “Although the aim was to get the 40 Club up and running and break even during the first year, it proved to be a great success, and a cheque for £1,500 was handed over at the final match of the season.
“The second year has seen consolidation and the donation from the proceeds this season will be used to enhance facilities for disabled supporters as well as giving a boost to the media department, which is vital to the exiled supporters.
“Although the branch members have regularly raised and handed over thousands of pounds each season, the 40 Club has become a dependable source of potential funding and that is something we are very pleased about.”
Chief Executive Nigel Clibbens said: “We would like to thank the London Branch for inviting us to the AGM and it was good to get the opportunity to answer a wide range of questions in what was a very open and honest forum.
“The donation of £2,000 is a fantastic gesture and the idea to put it towards the bespoke commentary equipment is one which came from the regular meetings of CUSG – the umbrella group which encompasses all of our fan organisations.
“The efforts of CUSG and the London Branch have already led to a donation to the Cumbria Flood Appeal, following sales of a specially made Pin Badge, and it is fantastic to see the Club and its fans working together in such a positive and proactive way.
“Football is for all and we are committed to doing everything we can to ensure all of our supporters can feel part of our Club. It demonstrates that by working together a Club and its supporters can make a real difference.”
Media officer Andy Hall said: “The London Branch made it clear from the outset that they wanted their fundraising efforts to benefit the fans - and the decision to help with the upgrade of disabled facilities fits in every way with their aim.
“We are looking to purchase commentary equipment for the blind and visually impaired in the very near future and this gesture makes that aspiration a reality rather than just a possibility.
“And with the new camera equipment - small, unobtrusive cameras - we will now be able to bring new and exciting footage we wouldn't otherwise have been able to cover. This will improve the online user experience for the fans.”
*Membership of the 40 Club costs £5 a month with at least £90 worth of prizes up for grabs at each monthly draw.
Click HERE to find out more about CUSC London Branch.
