With their new third kit unveiled this week, Canadian Premier League side Atlético Ottawa is hoping to raise awareness and funds for a local charity that aims to end the cycle of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV).
The club launched the new kit on Tuesday, April 25. The kit was created in partnership with Shelter Movers Ottawa, an organization that provides free moving services and storage to individuals and families fleeing abusive situations. IPV was declared an epidemic in Ottawa this past March.
The kit features a light purple base and is covered with children’s drawings in red, peach and a darker purple tone. The drawings were done by children who had made their way to safety at Ottawa-area shelters; they had posted on refrigerators and in residences. “The children who made them will remain anonymous, but their artistry and their message of a happy home lives on,” the club says.
The Shelter Movers Ottawa logo appears on the chest of the jersey in white. The sleeve cuffs are solid blue, while the purple collar is trimmed in Atlético’s usual red, white and blue colors.
Atlético Ottawa will don these jerseys for their Mother’s Day match against Pacific FC on Saturday, May 6. Ten dollars from the sale of each jersey will be donated to Shelter Movers Ottawa to fund their “next 1,000 moves.”
The relationship between Shelter Movers and Atlético began in May 2022, when several players volunteered to help move a family move their possessions from a storage unit to a new home. In October 2022, Atlético Ottawa players Ballou Tabla and Zachary Roy hosted an immersive exhibit at the Shelter Movers Gala, where they asked attendees to draw “what home means to them.”
“At Atlético Ottawa, we are committed to being a positive force in our community, and our partnership with Shelter Movers Ottawa is a perfect example of this,” said Atlético Ottawa chief executive officer Fernando Lopez on the club’s website. “We recognize the crucial role that Shelter Movers Ottawa plays in supporting survivors of intimate partner violence, and we are proud to continue championing their efforts to provide essential services and support to those in need. This partnership is an excellent opportunity for us to give back and make a meaningful impact in our community. We are really excited to see this jersey in the flesh and are looking forward to working with Shelter Movers Ottawa to create a safer and more supportive environment for all in the capital region.”
“Partners like Atlético, who step up to support the survivors of Intimate Partner Violence, allow us to ensure the survivors we serve make it to safety with their belongings, and dignity intact. We are excited about the impact of this partnership and jersey,” added Wendy Mitchell, chapter director of Shelter Movers Ottawa. “The generous support of our donors and partners is critical in our efforts to provide essential services for survivors of intimate partner violence. This partnership is a perfect example of how community support and collaboration can make a real difference in the lives of those in need.”
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