The Glentoran Social Partnership has delivered hundreds of toy parcels to families across East Belfast and surrounding areas in the days leading up to Christmas, supporting households experiencing significant financial hardship.

The initiative was made possible through Cash for Kids’ Mission Christmas, following the successful approval of an application submitted by the Glentoran Social Partnership to support 344 local children during the festive period.

The application was submitted in October after the club received a growing number of direct enquiries from parents and guardians struggling to provide toys and gifts for their children at Christmas.

Following confirmation of the application, the Glentoran Social Partnership immediately mobilised volunteers and community partners to deliver the programme, with Westbourne GSC providing its premises as a central sorting and packing base.

A total of 452 toy parcels were collected, packed and distributed by volunteers and players from the Glentoran Academy ahead of Christmas, with deliveries made directly into communities including Pitt Park and Parkgate in partnership with the Titanic Community Group, and Help for Those in Need.

Cash for Kids, the official charity of Bauer Media, supports disadvantaged children and young people across Northern Ireland by tackling poverty, illness and neglect, while its Mission Christmas campaign helps ensure children who might otherwise go without receive gifts at Christmas.

Colin Jess, Chairman of Glentoran, said: “This initiative shows the real strength of the Glentoran Social Partnership and its ability to act quickly when there is clear need within our community.

“We were very aware of the pressure many families were under in the lead-up to Christmas, particularly those struggling to provide for their children. Thanks to the generosity of Cash for Kids’ Mission Christmas and the commitment of our volunteers and community partners, we were able to offer practical support to hundreds of children at an important time.

“I am extremely proud of everyone involved in delivering this programme and sincerely grateful to all those who gave their time and support to make it happen. Initiatives like this underline the role Glentoran plays not only as a football club, but as a trusted and active partner within our community.”

The Glentoran Social Partnership would like to thank the many volunteers, community organisations and local businesses who supported the initiative, including Corey Harvey, Clair Taggart, Jodie Gatenby, Titanic Community Group, Sarah Killops, Killynure Community Association, Alan Taggart, Greenaway Auto Electrics, Councillor Brian Higginson, Jodie Gouin, Robyn Gouin, Diane Millar, Mia Millar, Karen Millar, Matty Emerson and Thompson Windows.

The Christmas toy initiative forms part of the Glentoran Social Partnership’s wider winter support programme, which delivers practical assistance to vulnerable individuals and families across the local community.

Recent activity has included the delivery of hundreds of hot meals to families and older residents, alongside the hosting of a dedicated Pensioners’ Christmas Dinner at The BetMcLean Oval.

The Glentoran Social Partnership generates an estimated £2.9 million in social value each year, engaging more than 3,500 people across East Belfast and beyond through a wide-ranging programme of community initiatives.

Its work has been recognised with Club Community Initiative of the Year at the 2025 NIFL Football Awards, as well as the Community Impact Award at the 2024 EastSide Awards.

For more information on the Glentoran Social Partnership, visit www.glentoran.com or email socialpartnership@glentoran.com.