In the latest instalment of our series on clubs supporting their local communities, the focus turns to Randalstown Rugby Club, which has been collecting and donating groceries to its local foodbank.
The club’s Chair, Ian Boyd, said, “At the start of the pandemic, one of our Executive Committee members, Hudson Foster, told us that the local foodbank was starting to get low on stock. The number of people coming to them for assistance was starting to increase, so we took the quick decision to take around £600 out of our club funds to go to the cash and carry to buy food, which we delivered to the foodbank the next day. The Jam Store is the only foodbank in Randalstown and is cross-community. We were only too happy to help. Any stock that the club had - items like toilet rolls and cleaning materials - we also donated to the foodbank.
“Last week, the club put out a message on our social media channels that we were looking for more donations, and two or three of our members went to the club to co-ordinate drop-offs. We set a table out at the front so that people could socially distance. A surprising number of people came to donate; not just from the club but the community as well, which was fantastic.
“We’ve now made a decision as a club to organise these drop-offs every 3-4 weeks, and we hope to continue doing so as a longer-term initiative after COVID-19 has passed. The reaction from the foodbank has been phenomenal and they were very appreciative. They couldn’t thank us enough.
“One of our women's players works at the local pharmacy and the Club Executive felt it might be nice to put a basket together with tea, coffee, buns and treats for the staff there who are working in difficult circumstances. One of our women members kindly put the basket together and some of the club’s funds went towards buying the gifts.
“The club has also planned the date of 4th July to have a sponsored 'virtual' 5K walk for all members of the club, which we’ll share on social media, and the funds we raise from that will go to charity. We’ll also be hosting an online quiz as part of the fundraiser. It’s also a great way to keep our club members engaged.
“More generally on Randalstown RFC’s community efforts, we have applied for and obtained a grant for a community defibrillator, which will be accessible outside the club to people in the area who might need to make use of it. We intend to get that installed next week and will notify our local community groups when it’s operational.
“The initial focus for us was on the club at the onset of COVID-19, but when Hudson flagged with us about the foodbank, it lit the fire for us. We’re a community club and that’s the sort of thing we should be doing. I previously didn’t know a foodbank existed, but the pandemic has really opened my eyes about the need to support the community. If you’re part of a club, think about ways you can help; it’s very rewarding.”
If clubs wish to get involved, please check with your local council to find out what help is required in your area.
