
After marking our busiest period ever since we started the lunch clubs, we kicked off this week’s clubs in style with a visit from former Wales international rugby player, Ian Gough, Club Ambassador and Youth Team Coast at Swansea City FC, Lee Trundle, and Swansea City winger, Wayne Routledge. I’d like to say a huge thank you to the guys for coming down to support our work – the kids were over the moon to have been able to have a kick about with you. I do hope all of the over-excited mums haven’t scared you away from coming back again, though!
Our amazing team of volunteers is of course delivering lunches and making hot meals for kids right across Swansea East again this week. We’re also making preparations four our final week of lunch clubs next week to give the kids that little bit of something extra as they head back to school. I’ve been really delighted by all of the local organisations who have been in touch to enquire about making a contribution to this. Earlier today in fact I met up with representatives of UNISON’s City and County of Swansea Branch, who have very kindly donated pencil cases and a variety of stationary for the kids to take back to school with them. I’m really looking forward to giving these to the kids next week and this latest delivery has just added to the generous donation of water bottled we’ve had from the fantastic people at the GMB and lovely contributions from Usdaw, Aslef and Unite. This support from across the trade union movement shows once again how much value there is in being a member of a union and how they continue to fight for the rights of those who are less fortunate in our society.
Once again, I’d like to thank everyone who has helped with or supported our lunch clubs over the summer. Whether you’ve donated food, helped make sandwiches or if you came along to our fundraiser, every bit of help has made all the difference. I’m staggered by how well the lunch clubs have gone so far and, while I wish they weren’t needed, I know the kids are so grateful that we’ve organised them.
I’ll post another update on Friday but in the meantime, I hope you’re all having a fantastic week!