Volleyball Canada and its merchandise partner, VolleyballStuff, are donating $15,000 to Food Banks Canada at the mid-way point of the #RallyTogetherApart campaign.

When Volleyball Canada’s Nationals was cancelled due to the COVID-19 restrictions, the community came together and purchased “stay at home” T-shirts and sweats from VolleyballStuff and Volleyball Canada, with proceeds from each purchase to Food Banks Canada.

“The response to the ‘Rally Together Apart’ campaign has been inspiring,” said Sanjiv Jasra of VolleyballStuff. “We are proud to be part of a community that is so willing and eager to help fellow Canadians through such a difficult time. This donation will put food on the tables of hundreds of families across the country, and we hope to continue our efforts to assist those who need it the most.”

The campaign continues through to April 30 at VolleyballStuff’s and Volleyball Canada’s online stores. A total of $20 from each Nationals hoodie order, $18 from every crew neck, and $12 from each T-shirt purchase goes to help food banks across the country.

“We were all looking forward to Nationals this year, but this campaign proves that the volleyball community is strong despite the disappointment of not being able to participate,” said Robin Guy, Volleyball Canada’s director of governance and partnerships. “With the support of our partners, volleyball will be back and stronger than ever, but in the meantime, we encourage everyone to stay home.”

Volleyball Canada’s 2020 Nationals, which was to be held in Edmonton as well as other locations for the 14U events, was to include more than 1000 teams from across the country.

Food Banks Canada is a national charitable organization dedicated to helping Canadians living with food insecurity. It supports a network of provincial associations, affiliate food banks, and food agencies that work at the community level to relieve hunger.