Homeless World Cup was just so humbling
Tesco champion Carole on her volunteering experience
Volunteering at the Homeless World Cup was a rewarding and truly humbling experience, a Rutherglen champion has told the Reformer.
Ca r o l i n e Baird, community champion at Tesco Rutherglen, was one of five members of staff to spend a week guiding Argentina Ladies team around the city.
The women, who have all been homeless at some point in their lives, were among hundreds of people to descend on Glasgow for the competition that raises awareness of a global issue.
Caroline and her colleagues — Graham Buchanan, Ciara Daily, Darren Armstrong and Heather Bryson — all signed up as volunteers when Tesco notified its employees of efforts to support the event in George Square.
“We were team guides and our team was Argentina Ladies, who were all affected by homelessness or addiction,” Caroline said. “Football brought them together.
“I had no idea how much it can help them, it gives them a team and someone to talk to. It’s amazing what can be achieved through sport.
“We went to their accommodation, took them to the university for breakfast and made sure they were where they needed to be. There were eight girls, who came with a coach and a manager, and two of the girls spoke English, so the four of them translated for the other girls.
“They didn’t win the Homeless World Cup but they won the Homeless World Cup Plate. They came to Glasgow and won, they will have plenty of stories to tell their friends and family.”
Explaining it was a joy to get to know the girls throughout the week, Caroline added: “They were all amazing. One of the girls is now studying to be a doctor. She has a life now through football.
“I felt very humbled to be part of it. They had absolutely nothing and they asked for nothing. It was an honour and a privilege to be their guide.
“Ciara and Graham who worked with me, they couldn’t have been more g grateful to be involved.”
Tesco did not only f facilitate volunteering t throughout the event but a total 24 stores in the west of Scotland also signed up to a fundraising drive to raise money to support the footballers during their stay in Glasgow.
The Rutherglen store on D Dalmarnock Road raised £1,310 through staff nonuniform days and raffle and tombola events for customers. Together with the other stores they raised £25,000 which was used to pay for food and catering.