Warriors’ team spirit is a winner in city charity shop
GLASGOW Warriors had a different task to tackle as players took over a West End charity shop.
Usually, Save the Children’s Byres Road store is run by 30 volunteers... but the team had a helping hand yesterday as a scrum of players pitched in to help.
Heads turned as sports fans spotted their favourite players - such as Peter Horne rattling a bucket at the shop’s door and Ratu Tagire folding clothes.
Winger Rory Hughes was trying his best sales pitch but said he was going to have to up his game.
Rory said: “I’ve been pretty busy folding clothes and talking to the customers.
“I haven’t managed to sell anything yet but I’ll have a wee crack at it.”
Save the Children and Glasgow Warriors teamed up thanks to Princess Anne being patron of the Scottish Rugby Union and the charity.
As well as collecting cash at games and taking over the charity shop, the team has plans to send its players to local Save the Children projects to encourage reading and healthy eating.
Graham Law, senior corporate manager of the squad, said it was important that Save the Children works locally as well as overseas.
He said: “Save the Children is helping people in dire circumstances both in other countries but also right here on our doorstep.
“In Scotland something like one in five children live in poverty and in Glasgow it’s higher, so we’re pleased to be helping do what we can to alleviate that.”
Save the Children’s Byres Road store opened 35 years ago and current shop leader Ann Curtis was a founding member.
Linda Kelly, retail regional manager for Save the Children, believes the store is part of the community and that’s the reason it thrives in an area with tough competition.
The shop is entirely run by volunteers and relies on generous donations from locals.
Linda said: “Having Glas- gow Warriors in is something really exciting and you can feel the buzz from customers – we’ve had quite a few repeat visits today.
“We’re lucky in that we have a hugely loyal customer base. And it’s quite mixed – we have a lot of students and a lot of people who collect vintage clothing.”
Rory added: “I really believe that all children deserve an equal shot in life, no matter what their background.
“And by working with Save the Children we have a chance to help make that happen.”