North Edinburgh rugby clubs tackle inequality for community project
9 Dec 2020Four North Edinburgh clubs are swapping competition for collaboration as they join forces to support those most in need in their local area during the winter months.
Leith RFC, Trinity Accies RFC and Broughton RFC join BATs Rugby in volunteering their time to collect donations for a new community initiative, Leith Gives.
The Leith Gives campaign, chaired by BATs Rugby Team Manager John Evans, aims to reach roughly 3,000 people across more than 500 families through the collaboration of local charities, businesses, and volunteers.
Leith Gives has received donations and funds totalling over £70,000 which will be invested into providing for vulnerable families. The campaign has also received hundreds of donations in much needed food, digital equipment, toiletries and gifts.
John, who is also a rugby Match Official based in Edinburgh said:
“With food banks at risk of being overwhelmed and people likely to feel more isolated during winter months, we want to do everything possible to support vulnerable people in December and January. These four clubs have united in purpose, and it has been a truly joint effort.
“Knowing that people in our community will benefit as a result of their work is no doubt a great boost for club spirit. I think that being involved gives the clubs a feeling of togetherness, which is important in the absence of playing.
“Although this campaign is looking to focus on fulfilling a short-term need, the clubs see their involvement as the beginning of leaving a long-term legacy. We have volunteers from the clubs putting forward suggestions and volunteering their time to other community projects. It’s fantastic to see more partnerships spawning as a result.”
Scottish Rugby’s Regional Director for the East Region, David Drummond praised the clubs involved saying:
“On behalf of Scottish Rugby I’d like to commend BATs Rugby, Trinity Accies RFC, Broughton RFC and Leith RFC for their commitment to the Leith Gives project. To see these four clubs present a united front to supporting those in need at this time of year demonstrates how clubs can, and do, make a positive contribution to their local communities and I look forward to seeing more of their off-field achievements in 2021.”
If you would like to donate to the Leith Gives projects, please visit their JustGiving page: https://justgiving.com/campaign/LeithGives
