In this week’s instalment of our series, 'Supporting the Community', we take a look at Portadown Rugby Club, which has been delivering care packages in the local area, as well as raising awareness on behalf of Women's Aid about domestic abuse during the lockdown period.
Laura Donaghy, Assistant Manager of the women's team, who has been helping co-ordinate their volunteering efforts commented, “At the onset of COVID-19, our Senior Vice-President, Ciaran O’Kane, set-up a volunteers’ group at the club. We have about 40 people from the club in a WhatsApp group, ranging from players to volunteers of all ages. Anyone within the club who knew someone who needed assistance - we did the shopping, prescription collections and ran errands for them.
“We then started to branch out to help in the local community. The club put out an offer of help on Facebook and started to help people with no affiliation with our club, so we were really reaching out to the wider community from all ends of the town needing help in some way.
“It was highlighted to the club that we could apply for a grant from Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon council to put towards helping people with care packages or meals. The women’s Team Manager, Debbie Anderson, and I took that on and put together care packages to deliver locally. We have also recently started donating these care packages to local folds and our next goal is to provide hot meals.
“The women’s team also wanted to support a charity annually and we chose Women’s Aid, as we feel it’s important for women to support women. Although the charity says 'women' in the name, they actually help men who suffer domestic abuse as well, which is a fantastic service to provide.
“We spoke to the charity and they told us that they struggle at times to raise funds and they suggested an awareness video. I got in touch with the captain and vice-captain, who in turn got the other girls involved, and Debbie and I were so proud of them. They made the video in a day; they’re flat-out in their jobs and doing other things, so it was really impressive how quickly they made it. Women’s Aid were delighted and we were only too happy to help them. During lockdown, domestic abuse has become even more of a pertinent issue, so Women’s Aid wanted us to help put the message out there that there was still a means for women and men to get help during this time.
“The reaction to our volunteering activities has been hugely positive. We were doing deliveries this week and the surprise you see on people’s faces is just so rewarding. They’re so chuffed and delighted that others are thinking of them during this pandemic. The club is always there to offer its support and we’re just like a family helping each other. We make sure that our older members and wider community aren’t forgotten about.
“If any clubs are interested in doing something similar, you’ll never regret doing it. I’d encourage all clubs to get some heads together from your different teams and find out what help is needed in your area. To be involved and to say you’re representing your club is incredible. I’m so proud to wear my Portadown top out and about because the club has been so active in the community. If that’s what you want to do, for your club to help local residents, just go for it. We aren’t in it for the recognition but it’s incredibly rewarding.”
If clubs wish to get involved, please check with your local council to find out what help is required in your area.
Delivering care packages to Carrickeden Grange residents.
The PRFC women's team awareness video supporting Women's Aid.
Delivering care packages to Carrickeden Grange residents.
The PRFC women's team awareness video supporting Women's Aid.