Soccer club spearheads fundraiser with new season set to kick off

The capital's professional soccer team is dedicating its home opener on April 8 to the people of Ukraine. 

Jeff Hunt, Atlético Ottawa president and strategic partner, announced on March 28 that his club's first match at home for the brand new soccer season will raise funds for humanitarian efforts in Ukraine with the return of the popular Pay What You Can program. 

The Pay What You Can program saw 12,000  fans pack TD Place last summer for the soccer club's first match in Ottawa. The initiative offers residents a chance to pay what they want for a ticket and an opportunity to see Ottawa's soccer club in action.

Hunt believes the combination of the Pay What You Can offer and current world events could push last year's home opener numbers. 

“Ottawa has a strong history of coming together to support those in need,” said Hunt. “Our community has done that in spades already. With this match, we want to encourage them to extend a helping hand, join us in celebrating the strength and resilience of the people of Ukraine, and get rewarded with a thrilling soccer match to boot.”

Joining Hunt for the announcement was Andrii Bukvych, Ukraine's chargé d'affaires in Canada and Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson. 

“On behalf of Ukrainians, I thank you for your decision to support people fleeing the horrors of this war,” said Bukvych. “Humanitarian needs are only growing every day because of barbaric attacks against civilians.”

Proceeds of the tickets sales will help meet food needs and accommodate refugees and citizens of Ukraine who left their homes. The support will provide clothing, footwear, medicine, medical equipment as well as other necessities and one-time financial assistance. 

The team will sport yellow and blue uniforms for the game in honour of the people of Ukraine. The jerseys will be auctioned off after the match through The Ukrainian Canadian Professional and Business Association of Ottawa. 

“I'm proud to support Atlético Ottawa's generous initiative that will directly assist the Ukrainian government as well as refugees that have been displaced to Ottawa due to the ongoing war in their country,” said Mayor Watson. “Ottawa is home to a large Ukrainian-Canadian community, and this important fundraiser at Atlético's home opener will allow the city to gather and celebrate Ukrainian culture and the strength of its brave people.”

Tickets for the match, and the entire 14-match home schedule, are available at atleticoottawa.canpl.ca.