SuperValu, Centra and the GAA have come together to launch ‘Club Together’ a new initiative, to support the elderly in our communities, using the powerful club networks that exist across the country.
Many across all sports are doing this on an ad hoc basis but this will create a more centralised way for people who might be outside the net of the GAA reach to make contact and ask for help on a local basis.
Families are doing this together but often times that involves longer journeys than are recommended during this critical period of staying at home, and this initiative will provide a safe and trusted way to make sure loved ones are OK without risk.
‘Club Together’ will also be there to help the elderly who do not have family and friends around to support them.
To get the new programme up and running, SuperValu, Centra and the GAA have made an urgent appeal to GAA Clubs across the country, to volunteer to be part of Club Together.
The call has been answered with hundreds of clubs already set up and recruiting members to take part by filling out an online form that includes use of their GAA number and the creation of Photo ID.
The clubs will then partner with their local SuperValu or Centra stores and the message will be got out to the wider target population of elderly through advertising and reaching through the retailer’s Reward schemes.
“This is a testing time and one when the oft-mentioned virtues of the GAA’s Community ethos needs to come to the fore,” said GAA President John Horan.
“This is happening already and through this most worthwhile initiative, it will continue to happen, making a positive tangible difference to those in our communities who may need assistance.”
“I am strongly encouraging our clubs and members to look at this initiative and to throw their weight behind it. Our reach across the island is reflected in the SuperValu and Centra networks and I believe working together we can ensure that everyone is connected and has access to the basic essentials we all need at a time like this.”
“Supporting our communities is one of the most important things we do,” added Martin Kelleher, Managing Director SuperValu and Centra.
“We’re delighted to team up with the GAA, a long-term partner of ours, to support the elderly in our communities. We understand this is an extraordinary time for a huge number of people across the country and we encourage every GAA club to contact and partner with their local SuperValu or Centra store.”
Further information on the Club Together initiative and how the elderly can avail of the service will be announced this week and we will carry the news as soon as it is published.
This is a classic case of the role that Sport can play in Social Good and will be part of our Sport for Business Sport for Social Good Virtual Round Table we will be revealing details of on Wednesday morning.
