Following an incredible response to the ‘Rams Family Fund’, which was launched this week in order to fundraise for tickets for Derby County’s upcoming home game against Peterborough United, the campaign has been extended to fund tickets for the rest of the 2021/22 season for families who would not always be able to attend matches.
The campaign was spearheaded by a number of Derby fans and supporter groups, and formalised through Derby County Community Trust’s JustGiving site.
After launching on Monday evening, an incredible £15,000 had been raised by the following afternoon. This figure surpassed all original targets and has allowed plans to be put in place for all weekend games for the rest of the season.
As the original fund was put in place for the Peterborough United fixture on Saturday 19th February, most of the funds donated to date will be used for this game.
500 tickets will be available for fans to apply for via the Community Trust website until Sunday 13th February.
Following this game, the aim will be to purchase 100 tickets for each weekend game, so that families are able to attend, with a specific focus for each game to ensure all Community Trust projects are considered.
A total of £25,000 will be the campaign’s new target, allowing over 1,000 participants to experience a Derby County game when they would not ordinarily be able to do so.
Simon Carnall, Head of Community at Derby County Community Trust, said: “The response to this campaign has been nothing short of remarkable.
“We had been contacted by different groups and supporters, all with a united aim of wanting to help, so setting up a centralised campaign seemed the best solution, and fans have proven that it absolutely has been.
“We know several groups and fans were already supporting the club through ticket purchases, and we really thank all of those who were involved in getting the Rams Family Fund to this stage. The generosity shown by our fanbase, as ever, has totally exceeded expectation.”
Jake Barker, a dedicated fan who was behind the original fans’ fundraiser, added: “Working with Derby County Community Trust to organise this project has been a fantastic experience, and to see the reaction within the fanbase has been incredible. To raise the amount of money we've raised in such a short space of time has proven what a brilliant community we have at this club, a community I'm so proud to be a part of.”
To make a donation, please visit: justgiving.com/campaign/Rams-Family-Fund.
To apply for tickets for the Peterborough Untied game, please head to: derbycountycommunitytrust.com/ticket-applications.