Giving Back

COLERAINE FC has played its part in giving back to the local community this Christmas…

First-team players, backroom staff and the Board of Directors all donated money and merchandise to the ‘Great Christmas Giveaway NI’.

The initiative was started by Roger and Abigail Glasgow over six weeks ago with presents and other items being collected at the old Chronicle offices on the Railway Road.

Members of the public, businesses, groups and organisations all donated with the aim of supporting families who are struggling in the current climate.

Speaking to colerainefc.com, Roger shared the exciting news that over 350 families will reap the joy of this on Christmas morning.

“Abigail and I recorded a video for social media at the beginning of November acknowledging how tough it has been for families with COVID and everything else going on,” he added.

“We encouraged members of the public who are buying gifts to perhaps buy one extra thing and drop it off at the old Chronicle building and this would be distributed to families in the local area.

“We were astonished by the feedback as over 29,000 people saw the video and by day two we had items sent to our house.

“It snowballed after that as local families within a 15 mile radius were dropping gifts into the building, as well as residents from overseas that donated items from our Amazon wishlist and had them delivered to our house.

“We couldn’t even count the value of the presents as they are all brand new and targeted for those who are between the ages of 0-18. It is nice knowing that they will receive a new gift on Christmas Day and relieve the pressure from parents.”

Presents and donations have been given to three different organisations who help to support members of the public across the Borough.

“We were able to support 60 families by distributing gifts to Melanie at the Causeway Foodbank,” he explained.

“Then, we contacted Dalriada Sure Start who help families in Bushmills, Moss-Side, Ballymoney and Ballycastle and we were able to fill three car loads worth of toys and gifts, which will go to over 60 families.

“Finally, we were able to help Action for Children who explained that they have experienced one of their hardest years due to COVID-19 and that they had 50 new referrals within the last week. It was so pleasing to know that the generosity of the public meant that over 200 families will receive a present through our support.

“We have also been contacted personally by families in the local area and we were only to pleased to them during this difficult time.

“We have been totally blown away by the kindness of the local community and it is great to know so many children across the local area will have a present to wake up to on Christmas morning.”

After watching the video on social media, first-team star Gareth McConaghie made contact with Roger and pledged his support.

“Gareth contacted us and explained that he liked what we were doing and would see if the club would be interested in helping us out,” Roger continued.

“The players and backroom staff were so giving as they donated cash that will be used to buy gifts, shopping items or heat people’s homes.

“The Board of Directors bought £500 worth of merchandise from the Club Shop, including signed balls and tops which have been donated.

“The football club have helped our appeal and we have been able to donate these gifts to families who live within ½ mile from the ground.

“Abigail and I were invited to the match against Warrenpoint Town last weekend and I would like to thank the club for that.”

McConaghie insists that footballers have the ‘luxury’ of earning extra money and that helping those in the community is a special feeling.

“It was a simple decision to put my hand up and help the appeal,” he explained.

“As footballers we have a luxury of earning extra money but there are others in our communities who are struggling.

“The players and management staff all donated and it wasn’t an issue at all.

“It makes it that extra bit special that we can give something back to the local community who have always supported us on the pitch.”

Simon Magee, Director, echoed McConaghie’s comments and hopes everyone can look forward to a prosperous 2021.

“It was the players who came up with the idea and in particular, Gareth McConaghie,” Simon emphasised.

“The Board wanted to support the appeal also and through our own personal contributions, we bought stock from the Club Shop to donate.

“We feel as a club it is important to look after the local community in any way we can and we hope that we can bring a smile to people’s faces both on and off the pitch.”