Atlético Ottawa today launched its third jersey for the 2023 Canadian Premier League season, the ‘Making It To Safety’ jersey, created in partnership with Shelter Movers Ottawa and dedicated to survivors of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV).
This partnership aims to raise awareness and funds for the work that Shelter Movers do to tackle IPV, which was recently declared an epidemic in the City of Ottawa.
The partnership between Shelter Movers Ottawa and Atlético began in 2022 when former club captain Drew Beckie and other members of the club joined Wendy Mitchell and her team, volunteering to move furniture out of storage and into someone’s new safe home. Later in the year, Ottawa players Ballou Tabla and Zachary Roy hosted an immersive exhibit at the Shelter Movers Gala, asking those in attendance to draw “what home means to them” with a goal to help raise funds and awareness for the work Shelter Movers Ottawa does in our local community.
“At Atlético Ottawa, we are committed to being a positive force in our community, and our partnership with Shelter Movers Ottawa is a perfect example of this,” said Fernando Lopez, CEO, Atlético Ottawa. “We recognize the crucial role that Shelter Movers Ottawa plays in supporting survivors of intimate partner violence, and we are proud to continue championing their efforts to provide essential services and support to those in need. This partnership is an excellent opportunity for us to give back and make a meaningful impact in our community. We are really excited to see this jersey in the flesh and are looking forward to working with Shelter Movers Ottawa to create a safer and more supportive environment for all in the capital region.”
“Partners like Atlético, who step up to support the survivors of Intimate Partner Violence, allow us to ensure the survivors we serve make it to safety with their belongings, and dignity intact. We are excited about the impact of this partnership and jersey,” stated Wendy Mitchell, the Chapter Director of Shelter Movers Ottawa. “The generous support of our donors and partners is critical in our efforts to provide essential services for survivors of intimate partner violence. This partnership is a perfect example of how community support and collaboration can make a real difference in the lives of those in need.”
A portion of each jersey sale ($10) will be donated to Shelter Movers to go towards their ‘next 1,000 moves’ with the design created from actual drawings of children who made their way to safety thanks to the work done by Wendy and her team. The jersey will be worn by Atlético Ottawa’s first team for the club’s “Mother’s Day” game at TD Place on May 6, 2023 (v Pacific FC, KO 7 pm ET, live on OneSoccer). Available for pre-sale now!
Last year former club captain Drew Beckie helped out a young mother with a move.
A few months later, Ballou Tabla and Zachary Roy participated in Shelter Mover’s immersive exhibit.