Helping the club to ‘go green’ and giving more disadvantaged children access to rugby

Last Sunday, it was all excitement at Hungerford RFC, as former England International and British and Irish Lion, Gareth ‘Cooch’ Chilcott turned up to help collect kit donations all in support of SOS Kit Aid.

It was a fantastic opportunity for members, players, and parents to rock up and meet Gareth, whilst at the same time support the charity.

SOS Kit Aid who celebrated their 20th Anniversary last year, distribute second hand and unused new rugby kits to disadvantaged youngsters all over the globe. But they are more than just a charity which recycles sports kit. Through their network of relationships, they harness the power of rugby and sport to make a positive impact on young people’s lives through sporting activities that promote healthy lifestyles, life skills and friendship.

And, on top of that, they are helping the environment, by saving valuable UK landfill sites from vast amounts of unwanted kit and reducing harmful CO2 emissions.

Lou Evans at Hungerford Rugby Club said, “It was such a wonderful day. Having Gareth here was a real boost for the club. He’s such a great character, full of life, and a great inspiration to the young people and players. And, of course, we are all very mindful of the issues around sustainability. Here at Hungerford, we want to absolutely do our bit for helping to protect the planet. It feels a no-brainer to be helping SOS Kit Aid.”

Richard Westaway, SOS Kit Aid said, “We are incredibly grateful to the club, and Gareth, who acts as a superb Ambassador to our charity. This relationship is the start of a longer-term partnership programme with Hungerford, and we hope to be working with them further in the future. We’d like to say a huge thank you to Louise, for helping to make this happen, and of course to Cooch!”