Collingwood is pleased to announce that the Magpie Army and the club’s community partner Coles have jointly generously donated $100,000 to Magpie’s nest program.

The announcement was made on Thursday at the annual Magpie Nest Footy Finals Luncheon at the Magpie Nest Café, where lunch was served to around 500 members of Melbourne’s homeless and disadvantaged community.

The fundraiser took place ahead of Collingwood’s Round 20 AFL match against Richmond. Before the match, Salvation Army commander Major Brendan Nottle shone a light on homelessness by setting up camp outside the club’s AIA Vitality Centre for two nights.

Funds raised will go to support the Magpie Nest program, which provides food and housing to Melbourne’s homeless and disadvantaged community.

Salvation Army Commander Major Brendan Nottle he said:

“We’re delighted to be hosting another Footy Finals Lunch to give people the opportunity to watch the finals who otherwise wouldn’t have the chance to,” Brendan said.

“This is more than just a partnership with Coles and Collingwood. It is a relationship that is transformative for the community, and particularly for the most vulnerable.”

Collingwood CEO Craig Kelly said::

“We thank the Magpie Army for their generous contribution to the Magpie Nest program, as well as our community partner at Coles,” Kelly said.

“$100,000 is a significant amount of money and will make a significant difference to Melbourne’s homeless and disadvantaged community.”

The Magpie Nest Café is run by The Salvation Army (Project 614) with support from Collingwood and Coles, who together serve over 10,000 free meals a month.

Last year, more than 400 Coles team members volunteered at Magpie Nest, putting in more than 2,500 hours preparing and serving meals to Victorians in need.

Financially support the Magpie Nest Cafe to support Victorians who are struggling.