As we have just passed half way in the season it is a good time to provide an update on how the BIN fundraising project is progressing.
The BIN account was set up to raise cash funds to help achieve the long term plan to find a permanent home for 1874 back in the Northwich area. By the summer of 2014 an amount of about £4,900 was in the pot but there had been limited activity during the previous 12 months due to the effort in getting the football club up and running.
However, at the fans’ meeting held at the end of the first season, a supporter not only suggested actively pushing the BIN fund by giving fans the opportunity to contribute at home matches but also put it in to action by providing an 1874 branded collection bin. The bin has been placed strategically near the café before and during the match and by the exit at the end and so far has been a great success.
The match day donations have raised a cumulative figure of £680 in the 18 home games so far (an average of £38 per match) with the highest being £57.87 for the first match against FC United and the lowest £12.33 against Rudheath Social.
It is interesting to note that the amount donated seems to have less to do with the attendance level and more to do with whether we win and how many goals we score! For example, £50 for both the Wigan Robin Park (att. 232, won 9-0) and Barnoldswick (att. 287, won 3-1) matches, yet the combined total for the Glossop (Vase) and Winsford matches was £35 (combined att. 921, lost both 0-1). The weather also has an effect, particularly at the end of the game if it raining when fans are leaving.
In addition, there have been a number of other donations to the BIN fund from individuals, quite often after they have been lucky to win some cash from the 50:50, Golden Goal or 300 Club. The Social & Fund Raising Committee have also been raising funds for the BIN from the raffles on the supporters away coach and football cards and a Race Night will be held on 21st March with all the profit made going to the BIN fund.
Yet another ‘fan led’ initiative is running with the BET4BIN scheme, which is a match prediction league with the winner each week providing a bet to hopefully make an overall profit for the season that will be donated to the BIN fund. So thanks to Peter Grimes for running it and with a bit more luck (or skill!) then a contribution will happen.
The BIN fund total currently stands at £6,429 and we would like to thank everyone that has donated or taken part in any of the events.
Please let me know if you have any suggestions for other activities that could be done in aid of the BIN and let’s see how much more we can raise by the end of the season.