CHICAGO, Ill. (June 27, 2013) – The Chicago Fire Soccer Club announced Tuesday that the club has partnered with the Greater Chicago Food Depository, Chicago’s food bank. The Fire will kick off the partnership by participating in the 28th Annual Hunger Walk at Soldier Field on Saturday, June 29.
“We’re extremely proud of the beginning of this new partnership with the Greater Chicago Food Depository,” said Chicago Fire Chief Operating Officer Atul Khosla. “Through the lens of soccer, we hope to shine a light on this major crisis in our community. I know that our supporters will rally together to help make a positive impact.”
“We are thrilled to be joined by the Chicago Fire in the fight against hunger in our community,” said Kate Maehr, Greater Chicago Food Depository Executive Director and CEO. “At a time of critical need, their efforts will help collect food and raise awareness for the hundreds of thousands of men, women and children in Cook County who struggle to find food every day.”
With more than 860,000 food insecure residents of Cook County, Ill., the Chicago Fire will support the Greater Chicago Food Depository through three main activation days:
The Hunger Walk: On Saturday, June 29 the Chicago Fire will participate in the 28th Annual Hunger Walk at Soldier Field, a benefit for the Greater Chicago Food Depository’s member soup kitchens, pantries and shelters. As many as 15,000 individuals will walk to raise funds and awareness for the fight against hunger in our community. A team of Fire walkers will be led through the starting line by Fire mascot Sparky for the 3.1 mile walk that starts at Soldier Field and winds along the lakefront.
Chicago Fire Staff Volunteer Session: On Tuesday, Aug. 27, the entire Chicago Fire front office staff will volunteer at the Greater Chicago Food Depository (4100 W. Ann Lurie Place, Chicago, IL 60632). The Fire staffers will perform a variety of services including repacking bulk products to individual/family sizes, assembling boxes and more.
Food Drive: In conjunction with the Chicago Fire vs. Houston Dynamo match at Toyota Park on Sunday, Sept. 1, the Chicago Fire will host a food drive before the game, which is slated to kick off at 4:00 p.m. CT. Fans are encouraged to bring shelf-stable food items to help feed their neighbors in need.
Additional information on the Greater Chicago Food Depository can be found here.
