Forging Futures: A Triumphant Saga of Collaboration with Palace for Life Foundation

What is community? To us at SME Local CIC, it is the pulsating heart of Croydon—a lively tapestry woven with dreams, connections, and shared aspirations. We recognise that community is more than a mere location; it’s the collective soul shaping our identity. Partnering with Palace for Life Foundation, we embark on a journey that surpasses collaboration; it’s a dedication to uplifting the community and scripting a narrative of transformative impact.

 Kickstarting with Community: Why It Matters

Let’s delve into why community matters—the shared heartbeat defining Croydon. It transcends location; it’s the collective soul of dreams and aspirations. Palace for Life Foundation, the official charity of Crystal Palace F.C., comprehends this essence. For over two decades, they’ve harnessed the transformative power of football, championing young minds, and creating a South London where every individual can thrive. In teamwork, pride, and innovation, they’ve found the keys to unlock a healthier, positive, and safer life for the community.

Numerous Threads, One Tapestry: Our Multifaceted Collaboration

Our collaboration with Palace for Life Foundation, initially forged by Go2Games many years ago, has been a source of great joy and a continual opportunity for us to give back to the community. From speaking at events to community initiatives, our longstanding partnership has borne fruit over the years, weaving a tapestry rich in threads of community support. From supporting families during the challenges of the pandemic through the #KeepCroydonConnected initiative to providing gaming consoles and refurbished devices in schools, the ways we’ve touched lives are as diverse as the Croydon community itself.

 The #KeepCroydonConnected Initiative: The Lifeline in those Challenging Times

During the challenging times of the pandemic, our joint efforts under the #KeepCroydonConnected initiative provided a lifeline to families. We ensured they had the necessary IT devices for learning and communication, bridging digital divides and reinforcing the importance of collective support. Our collaboration went beyond gaming consoles, taking root in the very heart of the community. Together, we provided essential IT devices to local school children and elderly individuals, addressing immediate needs and creating lasting impacts. Each endeavour echoed the shared ethos of giving back, community impact, and positive change.

One particularly memorable event we attended with the Palace for Life Foundation was a training session with the Palace for Life DS Eagles highlighted the positive impact of sport on the lives of these remarkable individuals. Palace manager Roy Hodgson led the session, focusing on shooting skills and even refereeing a match. The joy and enthusiasm of the players, ranging from eight to 24 years old, were truly infectious. This event underscores our longstanding relationship with Palace for Life Foundation, emphasising our commitment to community impact as SME Local CIC.