Several clubs and their members across Ulster are offering to help those in need in their local communities during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Dungannon Rugby is one such rugby club which has assembled a team of volunteers to assist Mid Ulster District Council and the Department for Communities in delivering grocery boxes in the area.
Commenting on the club’s volunteering efforts, President Philip McCammon said, “Dungannon was contacted by Ulster Rugby’s development team who suggested that we get in touch with our local council to help co-ordinate volunteers in response to the COVID-19 crisis.
“Mid Ulster District Council and the Department for Communities have set up an initiative for organisations and groups to get involved in a community response effort. They have a database of people who are isolating and unable to leave the house for day-to-day needs and require groceries to be delivered. With no rugby activity happening, we jumped at the opportunity to put ourselves to good use.
“The council emails us daily with the number of boxes needed to be dropped off, and we’ve been mobilising 15-20 volunteers who have been delivering for the last few weeks. We will continue to do so for as long as we’re needed and we have plenty of volunteers willing and able to join the team.
“The local feedback has been incredibly positive; the people who receive the boxes are pretty vulnerable at this time and they’re incredibly appreciative of both the food and the volunteers. There are a lot of sporting clubs in the area as well as community groups who are participating in the community response effort and we’re delighted to be able to provide support.
“Some of our players and members have also taken the opportunity to clean up and maintain the club to get it looking ship-shape when the season kicks off again. I was at the club a few days ago and must say they’ve done a fine job; the place looks great. We’re just trying to keep things ticking over in this period of lockdown, so come the new season, we're good to go.
“Rugby clubs are steeped in their communities. It’s an incredibly worthwhile thing to do when there’s no rugby being played and our players and members have really bought into it. Dungannon is a family-based club and it’s fantastic to be able to give back to the community in which we operate.
“If I could just say a word for our members who are working in the front lines of the NHS; we have a few and they are the real heroes in all of this. On behalf of the club and our wider community in Dungannon, we’d just like to express our thanks and let them know that we are extremely proud of the work they're involved in.”
If clubs wish to get involved, please check with your local council to find out what help is required in your area.
