Will Smith of Complete Estate & Letting Agents has donated £1000 to our Community Project - End Child Food Poverty. In time for the Christmas period, Newton Abbot Rugby Club will be providing 75+ Christmas hampers to families who meet the correct criteria.

Newton Abbot Rugby Club is close to Will's heart and in his own words, he says, "The Club (NARFC) saved me and gave me the confidence and a lot of the skills I have today, which has enabled me to get to where I am. When I have been in a dark place the club and the true friends I have made there have helped me to a better place." He continued, "If Complete and myself can help some families it would give us great pleasure; the current climate is making it harder for some less fortunate families and If I'm lucky enough to be in a position to help I will where I can.

Will has been a huge part of Newton Abbot Rugby Club for many years and we are hugely grateful for his generosity. Thank you to Will Smith and Complete Estate Agents.

Please use the link if you wish to donate to the NARFC Community Fund.

https://gf.me/u/y54ft9

Following the launch of this local initiative, the Club received a personal "thankyou" from Marcus Rashford, who has been leading the campaign to Feed Britain's Children. His letter is shown below:

Dear Newton Abbot Rugby Club

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for the incredible role you have played in protecting the most vulnerable children within your local community in recent months. The empathy and compassion you have shown has shone a really positive light on 2020 and has demonstrated the true power of togetherness.

I understand 2020 has been a difficult year for business and the fact you were willing to run at an even greater loss to protect our children when the Government rejected holiday provision left me overwhelmed with pride, and truly thankful.

Whilst the Government has committed to 2 of the 3 policy asks, investment does not come into play until April 2021, meaning millions of families are facing the toughest winter on record without little to no support. There are currently 1.7 million children across the UK that do not qualify for any help and they are approaching the school holiday with anxiety, fear and sadness.

Christmas is not a time for sadness. We must guarantee that the least these children have this year is a Christmas dinner on the table.

With your selfless actions, you’ve shown us all what it means to be British, it’s togetherness, it’s unity, it’s care and compassion. When one of us falls, it’s time to help them back up. You are what makes this country great and from the bottom of my heart I cannot thank you enough.

To health and success for 2021

Marcus Rashford