Since becoming Rugby’s MP, Mark Pawsey has held an annual appeal for old football shirts to be donated to Rwanda as part of Project Umubano, a Conservative Party social action project. Mark first launched the appeal in July 2010 and since then, the people of Rugby and Bulkington have shown their huge generosity by donating hundreds of old football shirts.
Mark has visited Rwanda twice as part of Project Umubano and has seen first-hand the valuable work that has achieved there. Mark will be arranging the next donation of shirts to go to Rwanda in March 2016.
Speaking about the appeal, Mark said:
“I know from having visited those in Rwanda that the donations of football shirts, even old ones, means a tremendous amount to the community there. The people of Rugby have always been very generous and I hope that we will be able to send even more shirts and kits out this year.”
Mark continued:
“Project Umubano is a great social action project, as it helps those in Rwanda to build on the skills they need and works with partners on the ground in specific areas, such as business development or health and education. This means that the work done by volunteers will have a lasting impact for the Rwandan community.”
Mark concluded:
“The people of Rwanda are very keen followers of football and especially the Premier League. However, they often lack the basic facilities to properly enjoy the game. Every shirt which is donated will be greatly appreciated and you never know perhaps if we get enough local team shirts sent over we might be providing the foundation for some increased international support for one of our great local teams!”