Iconic sports-lifestyle label Champion partner with local Melbourne charity HoMie to present ‘Hoops for HoMie’ Basketball Tournament this Friday. This exciting activation will form part of the Melbourne Listen Out Festival at Catani Gardens, St Kilda.
The Champion ‘Hoops for HoMie’ half-court inside Melbourne Listen Out will be hosted by MC FlexMami and feature Listen Out festival artists, South East Melbourne Phoenix star players, local street ballers, media and more to be announced who will battle it out in the ultimate basketball showdown – competing not just for bragging rights but to bring awareness to HoMie, an organisation focused on ending youth homelessness.
Did you know 38% of Australia’s homeless are aged under 25?
To combat youth homelessness HoMie has established itself as a Melbourne streetwear brand with a storefront in Fitzroy where 100% of the profits support young people affected by homelessness or hardship and HoMie’s social impact programs.
HoMie closes its doors to the public once a month to allow young people affected by homelessness or hardship the opportunity to receive clothes, haircuts, beauty services, lunch and general pampering in a dignified way – ultimately destigmatising and humanising the issue. HoMie also runs the HoMie Pathway Alliance, HoMie’s own accredited retail training and education paid internship for young people affected by homelessness or hardship. August marked HoMie’s 1,000th VIP Shopping Day, meaning 4,655 total HoMie garments shopped free-of-charge and 252 beauty services have been provided to young people.
On the partnership with Listen Out festival and Champion, HoMie Co-Founder and CEO Nick Pearce states:
“We’re really excited to be teaming up with Champion and Listen Out as part of the Hoops for HoMie activation. Drawing attention to the issue of youth homelessness or hardship and our social impact programs is paramount for us, and it’s great to be able to do so in a fun and creative way with artists, music lovers and young people interested in making a change in our community.”
South East Melbourne Phoenix’s Mitch Creek states:
“The game of basketball has given me so much, and to be able to support a cause like Hoops for HoMie, through the game I love is pretty special.”
Listen Out Director Adelle Robinson states:
“My grandfather was homeless as a young teenager so working with HoMie through Champion to combine music, street style and basketball to raise awareness for young people who are homeless is a cause close to my heart.”
Since 1919, Champion has pioneered some of the most well-known innovations in athletic apparel, setting new standards for sport and lifestyle including creating the first hooded sweatshirt, the first breathable mesh shorts and developing the first supportive jogging bra. In addition, Champion has played a monumental position in the music industry and continues to build relationships with up and coming Australian musicians. Champion has combined their love for sports and music to partner with Listen Out and establish an activation to fight young people affected homelessness or hardship.
Champion AUS NZ Marketing Manager, Christie Madsen states:
“Listen Out is a fabulous avenue for us to reach our Champion consumer and announce the new partnership we have with HoMie. Presenting ‘Hoops for HoMie’ we can raise awareness for the incredible work they do with Melbourne youth whilst bringing to life Champion’s 100 year old sports heritage and support of the music industry”.
Champion ‘Hoops for HoMie’ Basketball Activation
WHAT: Melbourne Listen Out Festival
WHERE:Catani Gardens, St KIlda
WHEN: Friday 27 September 2019