The Highland Rugby Club’s Under 15 Youth Team has found a unique way to raise sponsorship funding for its upcoming tour to Belfast by dedicating its time to meaningful acts of community service.
So far the team has secured premium sponsorship from local businesses, Macleod Roofing, Ross-shire Engineering and Top Car Services, and has shown its thanks by donating a day of service to each business’ chosen charity.
With the tour just around the corner, the team has already raised significant funds thanks to its premium sponsors, however, there is still a long way to go and now the boys are calling on more local businesses to get involved and show their support.
With three sponsorship packages available, companies can choose from a £250 player sponsorship, a £450 volunteer sponsorship, or the team’s £1,200 premium sponsorship.
As a premium sponsor, Macleod Roofing had the opportunity to dedicate its day of service to Munlochy Animal Aid, an organisation on the Black Isle that has spent 45 years helping to rehome and care for thousands of stray and unwanted animals.
As the boys got to work weeding the yard and walking dogs from the shelter, Munlochy Animal Aid founder, Iona Nicol, expressed her gratitude, sharing:
“It was great to see the boys come along and help out. A big thank you goes to them and Macleod Roofing who so generously donated its day of service to Munlochy.”
Sandy Macleod, managing director of Macleod Roofing, added:
“Supporting our local community is at the heart of what we do.
“Seeing these young athletes give their time to such a worthy cause was truly inspiring.
“Well done to the boys for all their hard work.”
Elsewhere, Ross-shire Engineering chose to donate its day of service to the Highland Hospice, an organisation that strives to improve the quality of life for people throughout the Highlands who have life-limiting illness and require specific treatment.
This day of service saw the boys pay a visit to the charity’s warehouse, where they spent time sorting through donations.
Highland Hospice’s corporate fundraiser, Karen Duff, shared her thanks, saying:
“The boys were a fantastic help on the two Saturdays they joined us, and our staff were delighted to have them along.
“Thanks so much to Ross-shire Engineering for putting them forward to support the Hospice.
“We wish them all the best in Belfast in October.”
Ross-shire Engineering commented:
“RSE is proud to be sponsoring the Highland Rugby Club U15’s team on their exciting trip to Ireland later this year.
“We believe in the power of sports to inspire teamwork, dedication, and community spirit and it’s an honour to help these young athletes as they represent the Highlands and embrace new challenges on and off the field.”
In addition to the team’s sponsorship service days, the boys have also been actively fundraising across the community with bag packing at Tesco Inshes, cooking up a storm with a bake sale, and encouraging locals to take part in raffle events.
With the team’s latest premium sponsor, Top Car Services, choosing to use its day of service to support mental health charity, Mikeysline, the boys are getting ready to work closely with Bee the Change manager, Allana Stables, to help share vital messages about the organisation’s mental health and suicide prevention services, as well as its Stop Bullying campaign.
Allana expressed her excitement at working with the team, stating:
“This is a wonderful opportunity to engage young people in the conversation about mental health and bullying within the school environment, with the boys spreading awareness of this subject in their own schools.
“Together, I know we can make a difference.”
Service director of Top Car Services, Liam Grant, commented:
“We’re honoured to support Mikeysline and the Highland Rugby U15s.
“Promoting mental health awareness is crucial, and we’re proud to be involved in this initiative.”
At this stage, the Highland Rugby Club U15 Team would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to all its sponsors and supporters so far.
Their contributions have been invaluable as the team continues to prepare for its journey to the Emerald Isle.
As the team prepares to depart for Belfast on October 10 for a five-day tour – where they will compete against a number of local teams, enjoy a range of sightseeing activities, and attend a fixture game at Ulster Rugby’s Kingspan Stadium – they still need to raise approximately £6,000 to cover all costs.
For more information on how you can help, visit www.highlandrugbyclub.com to get in touch with U15 coach, Chris Hinde.
