THE MELBOURNE Football Club has launched the Proud to Give, Proud to Belong fundraising campaign, in response to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

The program, which aims to reduce the burden created by the pandemic, forms an integral part of the Demons’ plan to manage the expected $5M impact.

By calling on members and supporters to donate, Melbourne is hopeful it can also avoid having to seek financial assistance from the AFL, which will allow it to independently make key strategic decisions going forward.

This will further help the Demons reach the ambitious targets laid out in their four-year strategic plan, which remains unchanged.

“At the start of the year, we established our purpose of being a club where our people feel proud to belong,” Gary Pert and Glen Bartlett said in a letter to members on Thursday afternoon.

“This, along with our values of Trust, Respect, Unity, and Excellence (TRUE), guides our decision-making and our approach in everything we do as a club.

“The Board and Executive of the Club are doing everything possible to manage our finances this year, but we need the help of our most passionate members and supporters.

“The quicker we can recover from this crisis, the sooner we can resume investing in the strategic priorities of eliminating all debt, improving membership services, driving innovation, investing in expertise in our football department and building club facilities. 

“There’s no denying this will be a challenge, and we’re not shying away from it.”

There are three ways in which fans can contribute to the cause, with an option for everyone to play a crucial role.

Members and supporters can donate a monetary value of their choice, while those yet to sign up for 2020 can join as a member. Armchair memberships are available for $85.

The final way to support the club is by purchasing a limited edition Proud to Belong guernsey.

The exclusive jumper, which is inspired by a pre-season guernsey from the late 1990s, will give the Dees’ biggest fans the chance to have their name sewn into the red and blue.

The Demons will then wear the guernsey, filled with the names of their loyal members and supporters, during the 2020 season. The exact game is to be confirmed once further fixture details are announced.

The Proud to Belong guernsey can be purchased through the Demon Shop, with orders to be placed by midnight on July 12.

To go above and beyond, and help shape the future of the Melbourne Football Club, donate via melbournefc.com.au/give.