The latest in our series on rugby clubs in Ulster helping the community features Malone RFC, who have been donating refreshments to hospitals and nursing homes since the onset of COVID-19. Malone is one of several clubs across Ulster participating in volunteering activities.
The club’s Chair, Patrick Baird, remarked, “After the onset of COVID-19, we as a club asked ourselves “what could we do to support the community?”. At the very beginning, the women’s team started collections for our local foodbank which was really well-supported, but when the club closed, it wasn’t possible to drop off donations anymore.
“We wanted to look after our key workers in the hospitals and nursing homes. We have members who work in the health service so we asked them what they felt we could donate and they simply told us, “refreshments to help keep us going”.
“The club bought 12-20 cases of soft drinks and brought them to the units that our members worked in, or had suggested to help. BBC’s Stephen Watson also asked us to help the team who looked after him when he received his kidney transplant, so we dropped off some drinks to them as well.
“We then started going to different hospitals and asked different departments if they would be interested in receiving our donations. We’ve been to City, Royal, Dundonald, Mater and Antrim hospitals, and we’ve just started donating refreshments to nursing homes as well – Maryland Healthcare and Cregagh Nursing Home. The club has had everyone from coaches to players, women’s section and men’s section, helping with these donations. The club’s volunteering efforts have all been co-ordinated by our 2nd XV Manager, David Heron, who has been fantastic in pulling everything together for us.
“The staff which Malone has donated to have been absolutely delighted and so grateful. It helps gives them a little lift in these difficult and busy times for them. Being contacted out of the blue has just overwhelmed them, which is just so rewarding to see.
“Malone RFC also shows its appreciation for healthcare workers each week, by putting videos on our Facebook and Instagram from every part of the club to clap for our carers and thank those on the front line. There are players, past players, coaches and volunteers from our minis, youth, women, men and mixed ability teams all featuring to show their gratitude. Paddy Armstrong compiles and edits these videos together, so a big thank-you to him for doing that for us.
“I would encourage all rugby clubs in Ulster to give a bit back. People on the front line who live locally are helping our family, neighbours and friends. Rugby is known as a family-orientated game and it’s fantastic to see so many clubs in the province pulling together to give support to and show appreciation for key workers.”
If clubs wish to get involved, please check with your local council to find out what help is required in your area.
[caption id="attachment_34816" align="alignnone" width="960"]
Sarah, Lynn, Chris and Ricky dropping some refreshments to staff at the Mater Hospital on behalf of Malone Rugby Club.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_34817" align="alignnone" width="960"] Neve, Jordon and Chris dropping some refreshments to staff at Antrim Area Hospital on behalf of Malone Rugby Club. [/caption]
[caption id="attachment_34835" align="alignnone" width="960"] Peita, Ross and Stewart dropping some refreshments to staff at the Ulster Hospital on behalf of Malone rugby club.[/caption]
Sarah, Lynn, Chris and Ricky dropping some refreshments to staff at the Mater Hospital on behalf of Malone Rugby Club.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_34817" align="alignnone" width="960"] Neve, Jordon and Chris dropping some refreshments to staff at Antrim Area Hospital on behalf of Malone Rugby Club. [/caption]
[caption id="attachment_34835" align="alignnone" width="960"] Peita, Ross and Stewart dropping some refreshments to staff at the Ulster Hospital on behalf of Malone rugby club.[/caption]