Clubs unite in aid of Cambodia poor

Clubs unite in aid of Cambodia poor

19 March 2014

SELFLESS young members of Ballynahinch Rugby Club proved themselves to be ‘model’ citizens last week when

they presented an evening of fashion in aid of homeless and destitute families in far off Cambodia.

The event was staged at Spa Golf Club — underscoring the close social and sporting links between the two organisations — in support of 15 young people from the Rugby Club who are attempting to raise £30,000 in sponsorship to facilitate their participation in a Habitat for Humanity Northern Ireland project in the South East Asia country.

Under the leadership of James Gregg the volunteers will fly to the Cambodia in June where for two weeks they will provide crucial skills and labour in the construction of a 330-home village for families who currently live on a massive rubbish dump in the Cambodia capital Phnom Penh.

“These people depend on the dump as their only source of income,” said James. “The volunteers know the task they face but I don’t think anything prepares you for the realisation of what these families face every day.”

James, who had a similar experience with Habitat for Humanity in Kenya seven years ago, said while the present group’s fund raising efforts were on target much more money still needed to be raised and members were involved in various activities including sponsored parachute jumps.

One of the girl volunteers Laura Hamilton has a novel fund raising idea and will be presenting a display of Bridal Gowns Throughout the Years at Clough Presbyterian Church Hall this Friday night.

It is believed the Spa Golf Club event raised over £2,000 for the fund and the  young people have expressed their thanks to all who contributed to the success of the evening including Wraps of Newcastle (ladies fashions), Kelvin Graham, Ballynahinch (menswear) as well as the officers, members and staff of both sporting clubs for their generous support.

Spa GC lady president Louise Adams praised the volunteers for their initiative and wished them continued fund raising success for this most worthwhile project

Those travelling to Cambodia from Ballynahinch Rugby Club are: James Gregg, David Steele, brothers Daniel and Michael Carson, William Edgar, Jordan Graham, Nicky Jones, Freddie Birt, Niall Montgomery, Oran Fletcher, Julie Whann, Michael Evans, Leah Patterson, Laura Hamilton and Ben McMullan.