Warriors and Warriors Community Foundation have donated food and drink as a thank you to key workers in the community during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The club had a large stock of food and drink which was purchased before Sixways Stadium went into lockdown in late March. A number of matches and events have been postponed and with no immediate sign of a resumption of Gallagher Premiership rugby, the club decided to donate the food and drink to those providing vital services locally.
“Although our stadium is in lockdown there are a significant number of key workers who are working hard to ensure a semblance of normality in what are abnormal times,” said Warriors Managing Director Peter Kelly.
“With matches and events postponed we had stock that needed to be used and so we decided to donate it to key members of our local community as a thank you for the outstanding work they are doing.
“Our Community Foundation also has close links with Acorns, homeless initiatives and care homes across the area and we also have good relationships with the various councils across our area.
“We thank all of them for their hard work and hope they stay safe during these difficult circumstances.”
Among those who will benefit from Warriors’ generosity are the Coronavirus testing site for NHS staff that has been set up at Sixways, Royal Mail postal workers, Worcester City Council and Wychavon Council refuse workers, the Acorns Childrens’ Hospice – Warriors’ Charity Partner – Royal Worcester Hospital, St Paul’s Hostel, Magna Care Homes, Perrins House Care Home, Worcestershire County Council Highways workers and the Droitwich Council for Voluntary Service foodbank scheme for the vulnerable based at Droitwich RFC.
The stock donated by Warriors includes soft drinks, crisps, chocolate and boxes of UHT milk and has been gratefully received by the different organisations.
Noel Cramer, Director of Supporter Engagement for Acorns said: “We are so happy to see our friends at Warriors again, and as always their keen interest in supporting our children and families is high up the list of things that are important to the club.
“The kind donations will be shared with those who are self-isolating or shielding could not be more welcome. We’ve been told that Acorns families really look forward to the deliveries which can offer save them a trip outside.”
Kevin McFeeley, Fleet & Waste Manager of Worcester City Council, said: “All of the staff within the Waste and Street Scene teams of Environmental Services at Worcester City Council would like to express their thanks and gratitude for the beverages Worcester Warriors kindly donated to us.
“The staff are classed as key workers and operate across the city delivering daily waste collections as well as maintaining the street and parks. The team were extremely grateful for the recognition Warriors have given them in these difficult times.”
Paul Farmer, Contract Manager for FCC Environment who provide services to Wychavon Council, said: “We were delighted to receive such a generous donation from Worcester Warriors as a way of thanking our crews.
“I am immensely proud of the FCC Environment team and the wider waste and resource management industry for doing our very best to continue our day-to-day duties during these extremely challenging times.”
Chris Jones, Assistant Plant Manager of Royal Mail in Worcester, said: “Like many key workers, our post people in the Worcestershire area are working tirelessly to keep the country connected during these uncertain times.
“The gifts and recognition received from Warriors will certainly be uplifting for our team at Royal Mail Worcester and are gratefully received. It’s nice to see the community spirit being shown by this fantastic club.”