Designated charities applauded for fundraising success

The Exeter Chiefs Foundation showed their appreciation for the hard work put in by last season’s designated charities with a celebration at Sandy Park.

Volunteers from 24 charities were invited to a lunch at Exeter Chiefs Women’s pre-season game against Bristol Bears last month. They were joined by Exeter Chiefs Foundation trustees CEO and chairman Tony Rowe CBE, Karim Hassan MBE, Michael Caines MBE, Marc Astley and David Bird.

These volunteers represented last season’s designated charities. They provided their time on 2023/24 match days in return for a share of the charitable funds collected.

There are currently 30 charities and organisations that assist in co-ordinating and collecting all the monies on the match days. These funds are ring-fenced for these organisations and are distributed at the start of the following season.

The trustees presented cheques, totalling £68,000, to these designated charities who were applauded by the crowd at half-time of the women’s game.

Mr Rowe said: “These volunteers give up their free time on match days to man the car parks and collect any loose change from our generous fans to help support a multitude of good causes in and around our city. We are very grateful for all their hard work and look forward to seeing what these funds are used for.”

Since its launch, the Exeter Chiefs Foundation has distributed more than £3 million to charities in the wider Exeter area.

Applications to become a designated charity have now closed for the 2024/25 season. To register your interest to become a designated charities for the 2025/26 season, please email: enquiries@exeterchiefsfoundation.org.uk.