Perthshire Rugby vs Poverty

The people of Perth are being asked to give generously to help tackle poverty in the country of Uganda, as a local man heads over to the East African state at the end of this month. Andy Cummins, of Perthshire Rugby, is hoping to gather some donations and local support to help children in the country orphaned by war, HIV and poverty.

Director of Rugby Andy is supporting the work of Isaac’s House – a charity set up by his friend Paul Howells in 2008 – and hopes to be able to hand over a host of useful everyday items we take for granted to the Ugandans who do not have access to things such as sanitary towels and toothbrushes. Andy also plans to spread the game of rugby to the children in Uganda, and will take some coaching sessions during his visit.

Andy and his wife, Jenni, have sponsored a Ugandan boy called Fred for the best part of a decade, and this Christmas he wants to go a step further and present the residents of Isaac’s House with Christmas presents from the kind and thoughtful people of Perth. I’m asking the community of Perthshire and local sports teams for their assistance by donating useful everyday items for boys and girls aged from 5 to 20.

“There are currently 19 children living in a purpose built home that provides them with a safe, stable, family environment. These children, along with 20 kids in the local community from families who are struggling in poverty, are provided access to education and healthcare all because of the funds that have been raised since 2008.

“I’m asking the community of Perthshire and local sports teams for their assistance by donating useful everyday items for boys and girls aged from 5 to 20. Items like soap, toothbrushes, sanitary towels, underwear, pencils and crayons, rulers, towels, shoes, school bags, sports kit and other similar things would be welcomed and much appreciated.

“I’m hoping that the people of Perth will support this worthy cause and that we can initiate a long-lasting connection between children here and in Uganda. I also hope to spread the ‘rugby religion’ and there will be some rugby coaching taking place while I am there.”

If you would be interested in making a donation, please leave a letter for the recipient and drop your items at the Perthshire Rugby office or gym within Bell’s Sports Centre marked for Andy’s attention. All donations should be made by 26^th November.

The orphanages built by Isaac’s House are in a small village called Namulanda, between Kampala and Entebbe. Isaac’s House now have a second orphanage providing both a boys’ and a girls’ house. They have a team of local staff who care for the children and they work hard to make the orphanage a family environment and a place to call home.

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For information on how you can support Andy, or to find out more about Isaac’s House and how you can sponsor a child visit their website and Facebook page.