THE ILLINOIS MEN'S RUGBY TEAM ORGANIZES 5K TO SUPPORT THE SALVATION ARMY OF CHAMPAIGN CTY
THE ILLINOIS MEN'S RUGBY TEAM ORGANIZES 5K TO SUPPORT THE SALVATION ARMY
UPDATE Feb 7, 2023: The Illinois Men's Rugby Team raised $547 for the local Salvation Army of Champaign County, 20% of more than $2700 raised for their team expenses. We are thankful for these young student athletes who care about their community!
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The Illinois Men’s Rugby Team met the Special Events Coordinator for The Salvation Army, Melissa Wilhelm, while attending the first inaugural MLK Day of Service Event at the Illini Union which was hosted by the division of public safety. After identifying the charity’s need for both funds and volunteers, the student rugby athletes organized an immediate 5k with 20% of proceeds benefitting The Salvation Army, in addition to the team’s ongoing offer to host food drives and coat drives in future months.
“One of the core values of the Illinois Rugby Football Club is accountability, and we aim to give back to this great community which welcomes us home each semester. Our club firmly believes that a long-lasting partnership with The Salvation Army will help residents in need and encourage volunteerism and donations for The Salvation Army in 2023”, said Andrew Pyles, Illinois Men’s Rugby Club President
For every $25 raised toward the team’s 5k through January 30th, a rugby athlete will run miles across campus in the cold, date to be determined in February. 80% of donations will go towards this spring season’s expenses for field equipment, trainers and referees, while 20% will go to the programs at The Salvation Army including homeless aid, food pantry, veterans services, emergency assistance, and more. The community can choose a team member to support and learn more about the 5k by visiting illinoisrugbyfc.com.
About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army annually helps more than 25 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol addiction, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,200 centers of operation around the country. During times of disaster, 100% of designated donations to The Salvation Army are used for immediate response and long-term efforts. In 2021, The Salvation Army was ranked No. 2 on the list of "America's Favorite Charities" by The Chronicle of Philanthropy. For more information, visit SAChampaign.org. Follow us on social media @CUSalvation and #DoingTheMostGood
