ALBION have teamed up with leading health and wellbeing charity and close friends The Kaleidoscope Plus Group for Saturday’s home clash against Reading.
The Halfords Lane neighbours have been working closely together for a number of years and, in the build-up to World Mental Health Day on October 10, this is the latest in a long list of co-promotions aimed at raising mental health awareness and positive wellbeing.
The charity will have volunteers, along with its mascot Kally the Kaleidosaurus, in and around The Hawthorns before the 3pm kick-off to promote awareness of their services as well as raising vital funds to help them continue to support more than 9,000 people a year.
Saturday is the first time Kaleidoscope will be the charity partner for a dedicated Baggies home match and its CEO, Monica Shafaq, can’t wait.
“It will be a really proud day for me and the charity to have such a huge presence at The Hawthorns on Saturday, especially this close to World Mental Health Day,” she said.
“We’ve built up a strong bond with the club and this is a fantastic gesture from them to allow us into their stadium to promote positive health and wellbeing, while fundraising in the process.
“It will also be a very big day for our mascot, Kally the Kaleidosaurus, who will be joining Baggie Bird on the pitch and hopefully her appearance will help make the stigma of mental ill health extinct!”
Key to the special bond between the near neighbours is Albion Head Coach Darren Moore, who also acts as a Trustee for The Kaleidoscope Plus Group on a voluntary basis.
Monica added: “I must also say a massive thank you to Darren for his ongoing support and we’re proud to call him a great friend."
Darren is proud to offer his support for the Championship encounter, which will see his players wear Kaleidoscope-branded t-shirts in the pre-match warm-up.
The Baggies boss said: "They are an incredible charity who do lots of fantastic work in the local community.
"They are based on Halfords Lane, just minutes from The Hawthorns, but their positive impact is felt far and wide.
“As a Trustee and Ambassador of The Kaleidoscope Plus Group, I strongly believe in what they're doing and we have worked together closely for many years. Positive health and wellbeing is so important.
"Saturday will be a day of celebration for Kaleidoscope and I hope supporters all get together to support the charity, donate if they possibly can and enjoy the game.”