We’re checking in to see if our older fans are doing OK
WAKEFIELD’S OWNER LENDS HELPING HAND TO ELDERLY SUPPORTERS
WAKEFIELD chief executive Michael Carter spent last night delivering food parcels to an elderly supporter.
Trinity offered to help fans in the vulnerable category during the coronavirus pandemic and have been trying to contact them all.
With a number of supporters unable to leave their homes, Carter, who owns the club, has been pitching in.
Carter said: “We like to think that we’re a big part of the local community.
“We’ve been checking in and seeing if our older season-ticket holders are OK – we’ve not got round all of them yet as there’s about 500 but we’ve made a good start.
“One lady asked if I’d pick a food parcel up for her dad, so I nipped it round for him.
“It’s not a big thing, but at times like this hopefully we get to see the better side of everybody – this isn’t just a rugby league thing, it’s a being part of humanity thing.” Warrington
Wolves are also helping their local community, offering free online mental health sessions and contacting elderly members.
Super League referee Chris Kendall is part of a volunteer group in Huddersfield providing help to the vulnerable and Carter, right, says it epitomises the sport as it looks for Government support.
He said: “We’ve had a report done on the social value our club provide in the community and it was in excess of £1million.
“That financial burden is being taken away from the NHS and general local council services – and we’re one of the smaller Super League clubs.
“I imagine Leeds Rhinos’ figure would be three or four times that. We do play our part and while I don’t believe the sport has ever been to the Government before to seek help, these are unprecedented times.” Carter says the seriousness of the situation has already become apparent.
He added: “I had a very difficult conversation with HMRC this week about deferring our PAYE payment this month.
“It was difficult because it’s the first time we’ve had to ask since we brought the club back from the brink of the High Court – we’ve been on time with every single payment for the past seven years. “Kudos to the Government and HMRC, who have been very good in their handling of the situation, because they know we want to make sure all our staff get paid.”