Exeter Chiefs bring festive cheer to those in need with Christmas Food Drive
Today at 04:46 AM
This Christmas season, hundreds of people in Exeter will experience a little extra festive cheer, thanks to the combined efforts of Exeter Chiefs supporters and local food charity Exeter Food Action (EFA). For the third consecutive year, these two organizations have teamed up to provide Christmas lunches to those in need, ensuring that the joy of the season is felt across the community.
Since the partnership began in 2022, more than 3,000 people in and around Exeter have enjoyed a festive feast funded by the Exeter Chiefs Foundation. The rugby club's charity arm has contributed an impressive £30,000 to the initiative, covering the cost of traditional Christmas ingredients like potatoes, carrots, and parsnips, as well as indulgent treats such as chocolates and mince pies.
Exeter Chiefs Foundation Chairman, Tony Rowe CBE, reflected on the success of the collaboration: "This is now becoming something of a tradition for the two charities. We first joined forces three years ago when my trustees and I wanted to do something to help ease the cost of living crisis that so many people have been contending with.
"Exeter Food Action did a brilliant job that first year and we all found the project incredibly rewarding. So much so that we are now in our third year and looking forward to once again making sure that people experiencing hard times can enjoy a festive feast!"
Rowe also extended his gratitude to everyone involved: "I want to say a huge thank you to Exeter Food Action. They do an amazing job throughout the year but especially so at Christmas. I'd also like to thank the people who support the Foundation with donations and their time for helping to make this happen."
The campaign has also seen hands-on involvement from Exeter Chiefs players Jacques Vermeulen, Edel McMahon, Linde van der Velden, and Jack Yeandle, who visited EFA to assist with deliveries in the lead-up to Christmas.
"What these guys do is brilliant," said Vermeulen. "It is such a fabulous community initiative, and I have been blown away by the hard work and planning that goes into this Christmas campaign."
EFA plays a crucial role in redistributing surplus food from shops and suppliers to organizations that support people in need across Devon. However, the unpredictable nature of food donations has historically made it difficult to plan Christmas lunches. The funding from the Chiefs Foundation has been a game-changer, enabling EFA to secure fresh supplies and plan ahead to ensure no one goes without on the big day.
Celebrity chef and Exeter Chiefs Foundation trustee Michael Caines MBE has been instrumental in coordinating the project.
"Most of us take our turkey and trimmings on Christmas Day for granted, but some people are not that lucky," said Caines. "Knowing that food will be on the table for hundreds of people who would have otherwise gone without is truly humbling.
"The Foundation is a charity that exists only to support other charities, and this is a prime example of that. I'd like to say a special thank you to Seth Ward and his team at Bidfood for helping us with the catering requirements."
EFA volunteer co-ordinator Wendy Kearns has been at the heart of this year's campaign. Sharing the impact of their work, she said, "We have had some incredible feedback already from many of the charities and organizations we will be supporting. One lady was in tears when I told her we would be supplying some chocolate treats along with the usual ingredients."
With the help of Exeter Chiefs supporters, the Foundation, and the tireless efforts of EFA, this partnership continues to demonstrate the power of community spirit. For many, it's more than just a meal—it's a reminder that even in challenging times, people come together to spread joy and kindness.
The post Exeter Chiefs bring festive cheer to those in need with Christmas Food Drive appeared first on Ruck.
