Last Saturday, (4 December 2021), East Grinstead RFC hosted a very special Blue Cube Security Sunshine Seven’s lunch to present local children’s charities, Wooden Spoon Sussex, Step by Step School and Special Families of East Grinstead with money raised over the last 12 months.

The Sunshine Sevens is the longest running charity rugby sevens tournament in the UK and has been raising community money for over sixty-three years. Garry Gordon, Chairman of the Sunshine Sevens Committee had the pleasure in presenting a total of £17,000 to the chosen local charities during the East Grinstead Rugby Club’s Christmas event.

The money was raised during two key annual events, the 63rd Blue Cube Security Sunshine Sevens Rugby tournament and the 15th Sunshine Sevens Golf day. Both events had been delayed due to Covid, but eventually managed to be staged.

With local charities also struggling during these uncertain times it is great to re-establish our relationship and support for our chosen charities.

Step by Step School, a small local independent day school for pupils with autism that the Sunshine Sevens have been supporting for many years.

Wooden Spoon Sussex, an amazing charity that changes children’s lives through the power of rugby.

Special Families East Grinstead, a support group for parent-carers with special children from East Grinstead and surrounding areas.

Chairman of the Sunshine Sevens Committee, Garry Gordon, said: “This has been a tremendous effort during these difficult times and shows the great generosity of our supporters and the East Grinstead Rugby Club members and golfing friends. Thanks to the Committee members for all their hard work, and in particular those who made the Golf day such a special event.

We look forward to our 64th Blue Cube Security Sunshine Sevens Rugby Tournament on Sunday 24 April 2022, a day that still attracts the top sides and is recognised as the first main event of the Sevens season. Get the date in your diary now!”

Sandy Fleming, Wooden Spoon Sussex, Chairman, said: “This year has been a real struggle to run events to support our project plans. The £7,000 received from the Sunshine Sevens will allow us to move forward and complete a number of key projects.”

Gayle Adam, Step by Step School, Head Teacher, said: “The £8,000 received will help us with our growth plans for the school and buy activity equipment and I pads. Having now created the space to grow to 40 pupils, this money will help the children greatly.”

Ivan Zytynski, Special Families East Grinstead, said: “Special Families is a small group which has really struggled to book venues to bring parents and children together. The £2,000 received from the Sunshine Sevens will give us the much needed funds to get these events planned for the holidays and new year.”

The Sunshine Sevens Committee is looking out for a “special cause”, a young person/ family who may need some help, support or equipment to make life easier. Hopefully Club members can help us in our search. Please get in touch to be considered – Garry Gordon - garry.gordon@btinternet.com

Help Us - Help the Kids!

Picture:
Step by Step School for Autism - Cheque presentation to Gayle Adam, Head Teacher by Garry Gordon, Chairman of SS7s

Links

The Blue Cube Security Sunshine Sevens
Sunshine7s Twitter

Wooden Spoon Susssex

Step-by-Step School

Special Families East Grinstead

Blue Cube Security

Media enquiries: Milly O’Ryan, East Grinstead RFC - milly@egrfc.com