When Bears face Saracens at Ashton Gate, it’s more than just 80 minutes of rugby – it’s a celebration of our incredible community and Bristol Bears Foundation.

The annual Community Day fixture will shine a spotlight on the life-changing work of Bristol Bears Foundation, which delivers a range of needs-led programmes to more than 7,000 people every year in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.

From classrooms to care homes, the Foundation is all about using the power rugby to tackle the impacts of inequality by inspiring healthier, stronger and more connected communities – and every supporter in the stadium plays a part in that story.

From the moment you purchase your ticket, you’re already making an impact, with £1 from every ticket donated directly to the Foundation. It’s a simple contribution that helps sustain programmes that are delivering real change across the region.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE EVERY DAY

At Bristol Bears Foundation, we believe rugby is more than just a game. It’s our way to create lasting change. Our new strategy, Beyond the Bear, is built on using rugby to help tackle the impacts of inequality by inspiring healthier, stronger, and more connected communities across Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire.

Focusing on four key areas – Health and Wellbeing, Education and Skills, Access and Inclusion and Community Rugby – the strategy addresses some of the region’s most pressing challenges, including low levels of physical activity, poor mental wellbeing and high absence rates from school, while broadening the diversity of rugby participation.

By delivering targeted, needs-led programmes, the Foundation uses the life-changing power of rugby to make a tangible difference to the lives of people, helping them to live healthier, providing the tools for a better future, and feel a stronger sense of belonging.

FOUNDATION IMPACT:

  • Bristol Bears Foundation supports more than 7,000 people every year across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire
  • The Foundation’s delivery is organised into four key focus areas: Education & Skills, Health & Wellbeing, Access & Inclusion, and Community Rugby
  • Delivers 12 community projects working with people as young as 4 across our SEND work, to 97 with our Older Adults projects in areas of deprivation
  • Work in 41 schools across Primary, Secondary and SEND Schools
  • Bear in Mind engaged 402 girls between the ages of 13-15 years across 12 schools. 96% of girls said that the programme has improved their physical activity levels since the beginning of the project and 84% said that the programme made them feel more confident and positive about themselves.
  • Foundation works with 140 older adults in partnership with St Monica’s Trust

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT ON COMMUNITY DAY

There are plenty of ways for supporters to get involved on Community Day and help Bristol Bears Foundation continue to make a real difference in our communities.

🎟️ EVERY TICKET COUNTS

With £1 from every ticket sold going towards the Foundation, you will be supporting the charity’s life-changing work just by purchasing a ticket for the Community Day clash.

🪙 BRING A POUND TO THE GROUND

A small gesture that goes a long way.

As part of Community Day, supporters are also encouraged to bring £1 to the ground for the matchday bucket collections on the day, with all the proceeds helping to fund the Foundation’s targeted, needs-led programmes in our communities.

✍️ ELLIS GENGE SHIRT RAFFLE

Bristol Bears are giving fans the chance to win Ellis Genge’s signed match worn shirt from Community Day to support the life-changing work of Bristol Bears Foundation.

As part of our Community Day celebration when Bears host Saracens at Ashton Gate on Saturday, May 9th, we’re giving supporters the opportunity to win Genge’s shirt via a raffle, with all the proceeds supporting the work of the club’s official charity.

🔨 COMMUNITY DAY SILENT AUCTION

The Silent Auction gives Bears fans an opportunity to get involved directly by bidding on a range of exclusive experiences, unique signed memorabilia and once-in-a-lifetime prizes all while helping to make a meaningful difference beyond the pitch.

Auction lots include a one-of-a-kind live painting by renowned artist Amy Pozzilli from Big Day Out, signed prints by John Donaldson of Harry Thacker, Jake Woolmore, Harry Randall, Benhard Janse van Rensburg, Fitz Harding and Bill Mata, signed Red Roses shirt, two tickets to the Gallagher PREM final and a Sivo Recovery session for eight.

By bidding in our Community Day Silent Auction, you are helping to raise crucial funds that will support young people and communities in Bristol and its surrounding areas.

🏃 FUNDRAISING EVENTS & CHALLENGES

Get involved in one of our fundraising challenges to raise vital funds to support our life-changing work in the region. Every pound raised makes real a difference to the lives of our communities in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.

Zipwire Challenge

Join Bristol Bears Foundation for a truly unique event as you soar 140m across Ashton Gate Stadium. This is your chance to take on a once-in-a-lifetime challenge, raising vital funds for your chosen charity.

Break The Cycle

Now in its 16th year, Break The Cycle offers cyclists of all abilities the opportunity to take on one of three scenic routes – Gold (100km), Silver (66km) and Bronze (33km) – in support of the Foundation’s life-changing work in Bristol and its surrounding areas.

🐻 BEARS LOTTO

Sign up to play Bears Lotto for your chance to win a £10,000 jackpot or money-can’t-buy prizes while supporting the Bristol Bears Foundation.

With a monthly draw, entrants have the chance to win the jackpot, as well as signed shirts, balls or a tour of the Bears High Performance Centre.

Every time you play you will be contributing directly to the funding the award-winning work of Bristol Bears’ official charity, helping the Foundation deliver programmes that are proven to change the lives of the most disadvantaged people across the region.

For just a £10 monthly rolling entry fee, you could be in with the chance of winning the Your Lottery £10,000 jackpot or 13 monthly prizes from the £1,600 prize pot.

Community Day is a reminder that rugby is about more than the game. It’s about community, connection and creating opportunities for those who need them most.

Together, we can go Beyond the Bear and support thousands of people across the region by helping Bristol Bears Foundation continue to create meaningful and lasting change across our communities. Be there. Be part of it. Be the difference.