As football fans across the country settled down to watch the opening game of the World Cup, Rovers’ Academy youngsters were gearing up to help the homeless.
On Sunday night, Rovers Under-18s teamed up with the club’s charity partner, Benefit Mankind, to deliver a hot meal and warm clothing to those in need around Blackburn town centre.
The players spent time putting together the food parcels and winter kits, packed full of essential items, which were then handed out to the homeless and those staying at the Salvation Army.
Scholar Harley O’Grady-Macken was among the players involved, and the midfielder was moved by the experience.
He said: “I think it’s amazing what we’ve done, coming down, seeing the homeless and how much it costs for a struggle.
“It really pulls on your heartstrings and makes you open up to the real world and what it’s like for other people.
“One minute you could be on the top of the world and the next minute you could be sleeping on the streets, so it was great to bring us all together to realise that we all have a role to play to make sure everyone is okay in the world.”
Rovers are now in their second season working with Benefit Mankind on a range of fundraising and awareness activities to support less fortunate families and people in need, both locally and abroad, having launched the charity partnership ahead of the 2021/22 season.
Of their work, O’Grady-Macken said: “Benefit Mankind are doing a terrific job. I think they’re working in 15 different countries and it’s excellent what they’re doing. They realise the situation out there and then they’re bringing us together, which brings good things and makes us realise how stark the situation is.
“You don’t see many football clubs do things like this and I think it’s excellent. To bring the Blackburn community together to realise that we’re not just a football club, we’re outside looking after people and making sure the Blackburn community is good and well.
“The really cold weather is coming and that’s when the big struggle will be, but it was great to put a smile on their face and that put a smile on our faces. Just to give them a little something back, that means a lot to them.”
Benefit Mankind is a global humanitarian and development organisation, which aims to improve lives, alleviate poverty, transform and empower local communities, whilst championing humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence.
Rovers’ final home game of the calendar year against Middlesbrough on Thursday, December 29 will be the Blackburn-based charity’s designated matchday at Ewood Park.
And Dr Mulla, CEO of the charity, was delighted with the initiative.
He said: “In cold and rainy conditions, to come out and they’ve brought with them their own jumpers, hats and jackets, and they’ve delivered food and winter kits to those in need in the local area.
“I hope it’s been an eye-opener for the boys and I hope they can take something from the experience. All of us have got something to be grateful for.
“Hopefully, one day, these players will be very successful – and maybe even play at a World Cup finals – but hopefully they never forget this moment, where they’ve gone out, put smiles on people’s faces and made a difference.
“Even though it’s just a food parcel or a winter kit, these beneficiaries, who have lost everything, will never forget what they’ve received and they’ll always appreciate it.”
TAKE OUT A SUBSCRIPTION...
Share