Rugby players join hands in packing food parcels
All South Africans were affected by the pandemic, but some more than others. And it was those who were in dire straits that Vodacom, in partnership with many other organisations, helped through the hands of rugby players.
Bundling each other out of play and power play during scrummage on Saturday and then lending a helping hand to fight poverty on Sunday.
That is how the four rugby franchises ended their exciting weekend of Vodacom Super Fan Saturday/Sunday on September 27.
All South Africans were affected by the pandemic, but some more than others. And it was those who were in dire straits that Vodacom, in partnership with many other organisations, helped through the hands of rugby players.
“President of South African Rugby Legends (SARL) Gavin Varejes said he drove through the streets and saw many people asking for food or help during lockdown,” said Stefan Terblanche from SARL.
“He then pursued buying food and made it up in parcels to hand out. This is how the initiative started and how we joined in with Vodacom Super Fan Saturday in the form of Rugby Unites to pack food parcels and handing it over for distribution.
“Our development project, Vuka, focuses on young players in disadvantaged communities who have traditionally been excluded from structured rugby training and grassroots level competition. We have coaching clinics for over 30 000 boys and girls during the year.
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“This year we could not do any of that and decided to get involved in this campaign organised by Vodacom,” said Terblanche.
“We were overwhelmed by the tries scored during the Vodacom Super Fan Saturday four franchises and can now feed many people who are in desperate need of food,” said Terblanche.
For each of the tries scored during the two Vodacom Super Fan Saturday matches at Loftus Versfeld on September 26, Rugby Unites received R2 500 which accumulated to the amount of R330 000.
The Vodacom Bulls, Cell C Sharks, Emirates Lions and DHL Stormers packed some 1 000 food parcels for #RugbyUnites and the two official charities of the Lizo Gqoboka Foundation and Ashraful Aid.
Liam Dobell, new head of Rugby Vodacom, said, “Today (Sunday) is all about Rugby Unite and to pack food parcels for the people in need.
“Vodacom originally started Super Fan Saturday which incorporates the four biggest teams in Super Rugby. We decided to use this opportunity in partnership with Rugby Unite and the SA Rugby Legends to tackle poverty and help people who require food.
“It is the first time the four teams are standing together and helping to pack the food parcels. They all did it on their own during lockdown, but today they are standing together.
“And this was all done in the spirit of Vodacom Super Fan Saturday where the teams scored an abundance of tries. It is also an opportunity for the fans to stay connected with rugby and support their teams, even if they could not go out to Loftus to watch the games,” said Dobell.
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