Swansea golf club captain Lester gives more
Swansea golf club captain Lester gives more
June 02, 2020
Swansea Bay Golf Club captain Lester McCalmon has been doing his bit to help the needy during the coronavirus crisis – and enlisted the help of junior and adult members of his golf club.
McCalmon is also the junior organiser at the club and started helping out after seeing a Facebook ad from the Salvation Army asking for support and urgent supplies.
He got help from the club proprietor and members, raising £350 within three hours – which turned out to be a good start for a campaign which has taken off with £8000 and counting.
“I have also worked alongside another food bank who have supported some children and young people that I work with,” said McCalmon.
“I decided to set my own Facebook appeal asking the community of Neath-Port Talbot to make small donations to help the two amazing community groups, hoping to get to £500, which would then be split between the both groups.
“The response from the general public has been not far off phenomenal. There has also been amazing support for local supermarkets and food companies during the appeal, with FEI Foods, Swansea donating 2,600 packets of microwaveable rice.
“The food bank appeal has this week been able to support four food banks with donations. We have also been able to recruit more than 20 volunteers to help with shopping, organising the food and delivery.”
Many of those helping out are connected to Swansea Bay Golf Club, including some of the junior members.
Wales Golf regional club development officer for West and Mid Wales, Theo Baker, added, “This is one of many examples of how the golf community has rallied round to help out during this difficult period.
“Lester is an exceptional case, but a good example of the attitude many golfers have demonstrated to helping others.
“The way he has used the golf club as a resource has also been a key element.”
Picture captions: 1 and 2) Lester McCalmon at Swansea Bay Golf Club
Some of the volunteers from the food banks, community volunteers who have come forward to help, including some junior members from Swansea Bay Golf Club.
3) Volunteers at the Salvation Army
4) Donations from Tesco, who donated food parcels for the most vulnerable.
5) Junior members Marley and Ben who has a massive job sorting out the rice.
6) Junior member Fallon with the community volunteers.
7) The REAL HERO’S Sally and a Carla who run one of the food banks, where they deliver 80 Food Parcels a week