With Christmas nearing, Ealing Trailfinders have swapped tackles for tins in a community drive with Age UK Ealing, delivering more than 250 Christmas hampers to older residents across the borough.
The initiative, organised to counter loneliness during the festive period, brought together the club, local volunteers and schoolchildren, who wrote handwritten cards included in each parcel. Hampers also contained practical gifts such as blankets or warm socks, alongside seasonal treats.
Players from the men’s and women’s squads helped distribute the packages, including Mike Willemse, James Kenny and PJ Sheck, and Alivia Leatherman and Mikaela Nelson.
Willemse said: “There are many people that feel more alone than ever during this time of year, so it’s more important than ever to remind people that they’re truly part of a community that cares.” He added that clubs had a responsibility beyond results, saying the partnership reflected “a shared commitment to creating a more connected community”.
Anita Daniels, volunteer and partnership manager at Age UK Ealing, said: “We are deeply grateful to the rugby players, staff, both men and women’s teams for their unwavering support during this festive time,” adding that the deliveries brought “joy to the ageing community in the borough of Ealing.”
