The Strathmore Rugby Club Community Trust has been short-listed to become one of the latest recipients of funding from Scotmid Co-operative’s Community Connect initiative – potentially being awarded £15,000 in order to provide autism-friendly rugby sessions for children across Angus.
Community Connect was launched last year and enables Scotmid members to award good cause groups in their local area with funding of up to £15,000, generated via the sale of single use carrier bags.
In Scotmid’s North Member Region – encompassing Inverness, Dundee, Aberdeen and Perth – The Strathmore Rugby Club Community Trust are one of three good cause groups, who have been short-listed by a Scotmid member selection panel to receive a financial award of either £15,000, £7,500 or £2,500.
The other short-listed Good Cause Groups are Home-Start Kincardine and Black Isle-based Cromarty Community Rowing Club.
Scotmid members collect votes by swiping their Community Connect card during every in-store purchase and then cast their votes for their preferred good cause group either in-store or at Scotmid’s North Region AGM in Inverness in April.
A key aim of the Strathmore Rugby Club Community Trust (SRCCT) is to improve access and opportunities to those that are often excluded or disadvantaged and provide them the support they need to enjoy a healthy and physically active lifestyle.
In partnership with Montrose & District RFC and Brechin RFC, SRCCT are aiming to use the Community Connect funding to run free autism-friendly rugby sessions for children aged 5-18, to provide those with ASD and their families the chance to engage with those who have similar needs.
Sessions will involve an adapted form of touch rugby and be tailored to the needs of individuals, providing a safe environment for the children to have fun.
Josh Gabriel-Clarke, SRCCT’s Community Project Coordinator, said: “We are delighted to be shortlisted for Scotmid’s Community Connect initiative.
“Funding secured from the initiative will make a significant difference to the lives of children with autism and their families – providing a valuable service that will aid the children’s development, whilst providing some valuable respite for parents/carers.
“We are excited to be involved with Scotmid Co-operative and look forward to helping those most in need within our community and beyond.”