Prior to our Premier League match against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, Irons Supporting Foodbanks made their annual visit to Rush Green Training Ground to collect hundreds of food items that had been donated by West Ham United first-team players, staff and the Club.
Captain Jarrod Bowen and players joined lifelong West Ham fan and Irons Supporting Foodbanks founder John Ratomski, and he showed them the many items of food that had been donated to the cause.
After sorting through boxes of food, the players helped load items into the van that Joint-Chairman David Sullivan provided the funds to purchase in 2020, enabling Irons Supporting Foodbanks to collect and deliver food and clothing to homeless centres across the London Borough of Newham.
Irons Supporting Foodbanks have a longstanding relationship with the Club, and Ratomski was grateful for the continued support and the ever-growing partnership with West Ham United.
Ratomski said: “It’s always a thrill to come to Rush Green for our annual collection and to be involved with the players and Club. We’re so grateful that the Club and players show a passionate interest in supporting what we do.
“The donations are going to be very well received by everyone at the foodbanks that we work with. This is the fourth year we’ve had a Christmas collection at the Club and we’re so grateful that there is a strong link between the Club and Irons Supporting Foodbanks.
“We work with a number of different foodbanks on different scales, and it makes such a big difference in keeping them going and helping the community of Newham. We’re all aware of the good nature of the West Ham United fanbase and Club, and we can’t thank everyone for their support in what we do.”
Skipper Bowen explained that it was a privilege to give something back to people who need it most.
“It was an honour to welcome John [Ratomski] and his volunteers to Rush Green,” said Bowen. “The Irons Supporting Foodbanks are doing a great job to support the local community. We’re so grateful to the volunteers who dedicate their time to tackling food poverty, and we’re really pleased to be able to give them our support with our donations.
“It’s important we as players do what we can to give back to the community and support their incredible work.”
To find out more about Irons Supporting Foodbanks, click HERE.
