The Dons will raise both awareness and funds for the hospice and has dedicated two home fixtures this season – starting with next Saturday’s home game against Notts County – as their match day collection for the charity.
The second collection for Willen Hospice will take place when the Dons host Exeter City on March 10.
Season ticket holders will be invited to donate their 5% discount in the MK Dons Club Superstore directly to Willen Hospice. Bucket collectors from Willen Hospice will be out and about seeking donations from fans at both games.
Willen Hospice will also be represented at the MK Dons Family Day on October 22, when the club entertains Scunthorope Utd.
MK Dons chairman Pete Winkelman said: “Having seen first hand what fantastic work Willen Hospice does in providing palliative care to the local community, I would strongly urge supporters to back this cause in whatever way they can.
“We look forward to continuing our strong relationship with the Hospice and hope that the money they raise from their October 1 collection and the week in March will continue to benefit residents of Milton Keynes and the surrounding area.”
Willen Hospice chief executive Paul Hinson said: “We rely heavily on the support of our local community to ensure we can continue to provide our specialist advanced care and we are delighted that MK Dons have chosen Willen Hospice as their Football Leagues Official Charity Partner for the 2011/12 season.”
The hospice receives only 23% of the funding it needs to operate from the Primary Care Trust, which means it has to raise £3.2 million a year to continue to provide its free services to of Milton Keynes.
Mr Hinson added: “With the MK Dons’ support, we hope this will help us to achieve our vision, to be the lasting and thriving provider of free care to all people affected by life-limiting illness in our community.”
