At the beginning of each season, Twin Cityzens, to use their official title, select a charity to support, whilst they also participate in regular fundraising activities to make a difference in their local community.
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In recent years, they have donated clothes to support homeless charities and backed a local Toys for Tots initiative at Christmas, whilst in the 2020 festive period the branch helped to promote their local pub’s takeout service during the COVID-19 lockdown.
This season they are supporting The Link, a non-profit organisation which helps youth and young families to overcome the impacts of poverty and social injustice and will donate half of their annual membership fee to the cause.
Established in 2018, the Minneapolis branch were founded by Chris Pavlich, who was inspired by the impact of the charity work undertaken by MCFC Chicago and has been steadfastly committed supporting his local community.
“I started the Twin Cityzens after visiting other branches in New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles,” says Chris, who is Chair of the branch.
“I loved the idea of a large gathering of City fans in a pub and that sense of community and making new friends, but I was particularly inspired by the charitable work done by MCFC Chicago in their community.
“I wanted to model the Minneapolis branch on MCFC Chicago and be the envy of other supporter clubs in the Twin Cities through charitable giving.
“We’ve had amazing support from the Club, who have provided signed shirts to raffle off and I also purchase a lot of City related merchandise to include in the raffle, and make custom branch scarves, t-shirts, badges, and stickers.
“I usually include a few scarves and shirts as prizes in our charity drives and a portion of the proceeds are donated to our chosen charity as well.”
Understandably, COVID-19 lockdowns have impacted the social element of the branch, though they have been meeting regularly via Zoom, but it has done little to diminish their charity work during a difficult period for everyone.
“Despite the challenges, we held our annual toy drive after the Derby and raffled off the signed Bernardo Silva shirt the Club donated at our anniversary party,” added Chris.
“It’s a lot of hard work putting this all together, but the feeling I get when I drop off those coats and toys, and write that check at the end of the season to our charity... there’s just nothing like it!”
To find out more about Manchester City’s Minneapolis Official Supporters Club, or your local supporters club, visit supportersclubs.mancity.com.
