Gloucestershire Cricket show support to Members and carers
16 December 2020
Gloucestershire Cricket playing and coaching staff were on hand over the weekend at B&A Church on Gloucester Road to help package and deliver ‘Thank You’ parcels for foster carers based in the city of Bristol.
“We are sending out a ‘Thank You’ package to each foster carer in the city, as a small reminder of their amazing efforts,” James Stevenson, Vicar of the B&A Church said.
Mr. Stevenson, a foster carer himself, was inspired to start the initiative after receiving a hamper style package from a friend for a child his family had cared for.
“With the support of Bristol City Council, many from the church and the likes of Gloucestershire Cricket giving up their time to pack and deliver boxes and make generous donations, we’ve been able to replicate this kind gesture for some incredible people.”
Chris Dent and son at B&A Church, Gloucester Road.
Head Coach Richard Dawson and other players and coaches have supported the packing and distribution of the packages.
“The circumstances people have found themselves in this year have been extremely difficult and this is a great way of saying thank you to the city’s foster carers,” Richard said.
“It’s always nice to make a difference to something so close to the ground, and for the coaches and players to hear all about the great work the organisation achieves across the city. Hopefully we can do more with them in the future.”
Supporting the city’s foster carers isn’t all that the B&A Church are doing to help people through the festive period.
“The pandemic and recent initiatives fueled by the likes of professional footballer Marcus Rashford have also encouraged us to support our local schools’ network by giving regularly to anyone who would usually receive free school meals,” James explained. “A box of vegetables and tinned goods isn’t going to solve everything, but for some it will make a huge difference through such difficult times.”
James urges anyone who may need ongoing support to get in touch with the church by emailing info@babristol.org.
Calls to Members
Gloucestershire Cricket staff have been supporting some of the Club’s Members by making a series of phone calls to chat to those who may have found social interaction more difficult to come by in recent times.
Conversations have taken many directions and have not been limited to just cricket. Current affairs and people’s individual situations have been regular topics of discussion.
“It’s just nice to speak to someone who is not trying to sell me windows!” said one appreciative Gloucestershire member.
Pete Lamb, GCCC Community Engagement Officer said:
“With lockdowns and many restrictions in place, 2020 will have felt very lonely for some, and we wanted to pick up the phone to some of our senior members who may have found it harder than others. The Club has been overwhelmed by the support that our Members have shown us this year, and we wanted to do something to show that we are also here to support them.
“It has been amazing to hear how many people were grateful just for a chat, and we will continue to reach out to our Members throughout these difficult winter months.”
We are all hopeful for a far more positive 2021, and cannot wait to welcome back our Members and supporters for what promises to be an exciting summer of Cricket next year.
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