Glentoran Social Partnership will host a 5km Sponsored Walk in support of Cash for Kids on Saturday 14 March 2026 at The BetMcLean Oval (1pm – 3pm).

The event will see supporters, players, volunteers and families come together at the heart of East Belfast to raise vital funds for children and young people across Northern Ireland who are facing real hardship.

The 5km walk is designed to be inclusive and accessible to all ages and abilities, with every pound raised going directly to Cash for Kids to support children affected by poverty, illness and neglect.

The initiative builds on a strong and proven relationship between the Glentoran Social Partnership and Cash for Kids. Through the Mission Christmas campaign, the partnership previously delivered more than 450 toy parcels to over 340 local children, ensuring families facing severe financial hardship were supported at a critical time of year.

Participants are encouraged to register in advance by collecting a sponsorship form from the Glentoran Superstore or by emailing glentoransocial@gmail.com.

A suggested sponsorship target of £20 for adults and £10 for children has been set, with all funds raised going directly to Cash for Kids.

Colin Jess, Chairman of Glentoran Football Club, said: “Glentoran has always taken pride in standing alongside its community, particularly when families are facing real and immediate challenges. Through the Mission Christmas campaign, Cash for Kids placed their trust in us to deliver hundreds of toy parcels to local children who might otherwise have gone without. We were proud to do that on their behalf and we saw the difference it made in homes across East Belfast.

“That support is something we have not forgotten. This Sponsored Walk is our opportunity to give something back to a charity that has shown such generosity to our community. By raising funds now, we can help ensure Cash for Kids remains in a strong position to continue supporting children and families when they need it most in the future.

“I would encourage everyone connected to Glentoran, supporters, families, local schools, businesses and community groups, to get their walking shoes or trainers on and join us at The BetMcLean Oval on 14 March. It is a simple way to make a meaningful difference. Let’s come together, get our steps in for Cash for Kids and show once again what this club and its community can achieve when we move forward as one.”

The walk also forms part of the Partnership’s wider community support programme. Since the reintroduction of the Meal Drive in October 2025, more than 1,500 hot meals have been delivered to vulnerable individuals and families across East Belfast, alongside the hosting of a dedicated Pensioners’ Christmas Dinner at the BetMcLean Oval.

Through initiatives focused on inclusion, wellbeing and direct support, the Partnership generates an estimated £2.9 million in annual social value and engages more than 3,500 people each year.

Its impact has been recognised with Club Community Initiative of the Year at the 2025 NIFL Football Awards and the Community Impact Award at the 2024 EastSide Awards.