Harrogate Town AFC players, staff, supporters and even local residents have contributed towards a very busy week giving back to the local community, with hospital visits and a special Christmas Appeal.
Town visits Woodland Ward at Harrogate HospitalOn both Tuesday and Thursday last week first team players and staff visited children who were poorly and receiving treatment over the Christmas period. Iain Service Harrogate Town AFC's Community Development Manager explains.
“We're always forwarding thinking as a community driven club so being able to come into the hospital is something we really like doing. It's a great way to meet people who might be going through a hard time, just to make sure they have a smile on their face and even if we brighten up their day for a few minutes then it'll go along way to making them feel better".
Young patients received Harrogate Town AFC goodie bags including, chocolate and sweets as well as well wishes from players and staff.
Harrogate Town AFC's Christmas Appeal Hampers help those in need across Harrogate and District
A massive effort by Harrogate Town AFC players, staff, supporters and local residents resulted in over 65 hampers being prepared, packed and delivered as part of our 2019 Christmas Appeal.
The Housing Support and Housing Options team Harrogate Borough Council looks to prevent people losing their homes, and help securing alternative accommodation.
They aim to help families and individuals, whether it is helping sort out their bills or debts or putting them in touch with other agencies to support whatever other issues are affecting them, working with Landlords and with any other housing issues. Jeanette Gaunt, Housing Support Manager (Housing Options HBC) expressed her thanks to Harrogate Town AFC and supporters.
“To help in this way is absolutely amazing. We have a number of families and individuals that will face a very lonely few weeks. By making them smile through the delivery of thoughtful gifts will mean the world to them.”
Community Development Manager Iain Service adds, “When speaking to the team at Housing Options we were keen to provide something different than a simple food collection. They explained the importance of making hampers special. We packed them full off chocolates, coffee and Christmas themed goodies. So many people contributed from across the club, with the players too going above and beyond to support”.
The feedback from recipients of the hampers has made all the effort worthwhile.
Some of the hostel residents had this to say:-
“I could have cried with people that were so kind to donate all these things”
“ This has made my Christmas”
“ I am really touched by the kindness of the people that donated these”
“The hampers really did light up the residents faces, I was overwhelmed by the wonderful hampers, thank-you so much”
On behalf of Harrogate Town AFC Community Foundation we would like to wish everyone connected with the club and the local community best wishes over the festive period.
Watch out for a big year in 2020 for the Community Foundation, some exciting plans, new programmes and plenty of fun!