Memorabilia can rekindle fond memories of the past
WIDNES Vikings fans are being asked to donate spare memorabilia to help fans who live with dementia re-connect with their treasured memories of the club.
The unique campaign will lead to items being used to create special Vikings memory boxes which will help dementia care homes and support groups in Halton.
Supporters are being encouraged to bring their memorabilia such as old programmes, shirts, videos and photographs to the club’s final home game of the season against St Helens on Sunday, September 18.
There will be drop-off points within the Select Security Stadium.
Fans can also drop their donations off at the Widnes Vikings office at the stadium’s south stand during any week day.
The project is part of a partnership between Widnes Vikings and the charity Community Integrated Care.
Vikings community integrated director Richard Munson said: “We would love nothing more than for our supporters to help us to re-ignite memories of the Chemics for those ardent fans who are living with dementia.
“Through this campaign, we hope to see the smiles back on the faces of the many supporters that filled the stands at Naughton Park and the Select Security Stadium.
“The club has offered access to their collection of memorabilia and heritage areas, with staff member Bex Jones creating memory boxes for the club.”
The boxes will be used to support activity and reminiscence sessions for people who live in Community Integrated Care’s specialist dementia care homes in Widnes and Runcorn.
They will also be used at the Chemics Café, a free monthly support group for fans affected by dementia, which the charity and the club host at the Select Security Stadium on the first Wednesday of every month.
Community Integrated Care‘s head of marketing and communications John Hughes said: “Many people we support have enjoyed watching Widnes Vikings all their lives.
“Through using these nostalgic objects, we can help the people we support remember their special times cheering on the club. We want fans to know that the old shirts, programmes or newspaper clippings that they have gathering dust in the back of their cupboards can help us change lives.”
“The fans of Widnes Vikings have been so generous in their support of our charity this season, and we’re hoping we can end it on a real high with this important campaign. “Every item donated will be appreciated by us and will make a big difference.”