Children’s charities enjoy the sunshine
East Grinstead RFC recently hosted a Blue Cube Security Sunshine Sevens lunch to present funds to local children’s charities: Wooden Spoon Sussex, the Step by Step School and Special Families of East Grinstead.
The longest running charity rugby sevens tournament in the UK has been raising community money for over 63 years. Garry Gordon, Chairman of the Sunshine Sevens Committee presented a total of £17,000 to the chosen local charities during the East Grinstead Rugby Club’s Christmas event.
The money was raised during two key annual events, the 63rd sevens tournament and the 15th Sunshine Sevens Golf day, both having been delayed due to Covid.
With local charities struggling during these uncertain times the funding was very welcome. Step by Step School, is a small local independent day school for pupils with autism. Wooden Spoon Sussex changes children’s lives through the power of rugby. Special Families East Grinstead, is a support group for parent-carers.
Said Garry Gordon: “This has been a tremendous effort during these difficult times and shows the great generosity of our supporters and the East Grinstead Rugby Club members and golfing friends. Thanks to the Committee members for all their hard work, and in particular those who made the golf day such a special event. We look forward to our 64th Blue Cube Security Sunshine Sevens Rugby Tournament on Sunday 24 April 2022, a day that attracts the top sides and is widely recognised as the first main event of the sevens season. Get the date in your diary now!”
Sandy Fleming, Wooden Spoon Sussex, Chairman, said: “The £7,000 received from the Sunshine Sevens will allow us to move forward and complete a number of key projects.”
Gayle Adam, Step by Step School, Head Teacher, said: “Having now created the space to grow to 40 pupils, the £8,000 received will help the children greatly and allow us buy activity equipment and ipads.”
Ivan Zytynski, Special Families East Grinstead, said: “Special Families has really struggled to book venues to bring parents and children together. The £2,000 received will give us the much needed funds to get these events planned for the holidays and new year.”
