Ipswich Town FC and Crafted Media help African charity towards their goal

05/08/08

The football season kicked off early for one group of Tanzanian children thanks to teamwork between Ipswich Town Football Club and local creative agency Crafted Media.  The agency contacted the football club when it heard that the charity it supports, SAIDIA Tanzania, was organising a day of friendly matches to celebrate the annual Day of the African Child.   The games were held in Mwanza on the shores of Lake Victoria and the winning teams were presented with football shirts donated by ITFC.

SAIDIA, which takes its names from the Swahili word for assist, help or support, is a non-profit organisation offering UK volunteers the opportunity to work with vulnerable children, many of them orphaned by the devastating effects of HIV and AIDS, to give them a better life, improved health and education. 

The Suffolk Club was delighted to support the day’s celebrations.  Camilla Haycock of Ipswich Town Football Club said: “The game is loved worldwide, and we know that these children in Tanzania are as passionate about the sport as anywhere else.  It’s great to hear from SAIDIA just how thrilled and proud the children were to receive and wear Ipswich Town’s kit and how football gives them an escape from the harsh realities in their lives.”

Brad Warwick at Crafted Media added:  “As our chosen charity, we’re working with SAIDIA to re-launch and publicise their website with the aim of attracting more volunteers from the UK.  SAIDIA offers them an unforgettable experience; they not only gain insight into the vibrant culture of Tanzania, but also make a meaningful contribution to the community by assisting the needy in their journey to a better existence.”