The Larder at St Christopher’s moves up a league
A few weeks ago I sent a hopeful introductory email from St Christopher’s Church (at the gates of the Oval) to Glentoran Football Club. It was responded to by a number of people and within days we were drinking tea with Kevin Milhench (Grounds Director).
It soon became apparent that not only did we have mutual friends and acquaintances but we had mutual interest in the local community around the Oval. All we needed was some joined–up thinking.
We, Fresh Expression team in St Christopher’s, have been trying to serve the local community for the last twelve months with a food bank called The Larder and by working with the Parkgate Community Association to address some local issues. Kevin and Glentoran stepped immediately into that local mix of relationships and even in the last few weeks have made a considerable impact with litter picking, tidying up mess, and connecting with residents and the local housing Association.
On Saturday 15 March it was announced that there would be a food collection for The Larder food bank at the next home game (Clintonville on 22 March). This was followed up with a great page on their website and information on Facebook and Twitter. We did the same from St Christopher’s.
On Saturday 22 March Glentoran supporters filled four wheelie bins with tins and packets of food and £100 cash in the buckets. To see chaps and chapesses walking down Parkgate Drive with bags of food was just amazing. One big lump of a lad opened his coat and pulled out a tin of tuna and threw it in. As Tesco keeps telling us, “Every little helps”.
On behalf of St Christopher’s and those who find themselves facing food poverty could I thank you, the food givers, and Glentoran FC for facilitating the event. The ripples of encouragement and partnership have already been noticed and will continue to spread. Thank you.
(Revd) Adrian McCartney (Boring Wells).
Pictured above L–R: Adrian McCartney (Minister), Storm Charis (volunteer), Kevin Milhench (Director, Glentoran), Will Charis (Volunteer), Rob Stewart (volunteer).