In attendance from the Glens were players Jonny Frazer, Steven Gordon, Elvio Van Overbeek, Mal Smith and the club’s Kit & Equipment Manager, Sean Macmanus.
Earlier this week, four members of the Glentoran first team squad made a visit to the Connswater Community Centre in East Belfast. The centre has been playing a constant and vital role during lockdown in helping to provide a lifeline for most vulnerable individuals in the local community.
The players are currently on furlough but were very eager to volunteer their time, to lend a helping hand and to witness some of the amazing work that has been undertaken by the volunteers within the centre. Glentoran players have been involved in the club’s ‘Supporting Our Communities’ programme throughout the current season. The objective of the programme has been to work closely with partners, such as schools, church and youth groups, charities and community groups within East Belfast to help improve the wellbeing of the area.
In attendance from the Glens were players Jonny Frazer, Steven Gordon, Elvio Van Overbeek, Mal Smith and the club’s Kit & Equipment Manager, Sean Macmanus.
At the beginning of the Covid 19 pandemic; Amanda Irvine (Centre Manager) and Connor Ferguson (Volunteer) distributed 20 meals to local pensioners who would regularly use the centre but who have been isolated at home. Thereafter, a small team of volunteers was assembled and with the support of East Belfast ACT Initiative the Connswater Community Centre and East Belfast ACT Initiative Meals Programme was established. `The centre is now responsible for preparing and delivering nearly 1700 meals each week.
Amanda Irvine said: “This is a very busy operation and the help from the Glentoran players and staff was greatly appreciated. The guys were involved in putting together 200 food parcels which will be distributed to vulnerable and elderly people within our community. In these boxes are everyday groceries supplied by East Belfast Coronavirus Community Support on behalf of the Belfast City Council.
Connor Ferguson from Connswater Community Centre with Ethan from Glentoran Academy 2011 team
Without the help of everyone within the community the meals programme would not have been possible, we are overwhelmed and extremely grateful for the ongoing support that we have received from local businesses, volunteers, and local sports clubs. We were also delighted to welcome representatives of Glentoran as our local club at the very heart of the East Belfast community.”