Exeter Chiefs in the Community

08/12/2022 09:31 Share

Exeter Chiefs are so much more than a rugby club. Through various initiatives, the club and its partners work to give back to local people in a meaningful way.

Read on to learn more.

The Exeter Chiefs Foundation

The Exeter Chiefs Foundation is the official charity arm of the club. The charity works tirelessly to improve the lives of people in the community.

Established in 2011, with the aim of promoting the vision of people who live and work in the community, the Foundation makes a huge impact in the local area. All money raised goes to worthy causes with tangible investments.

Since its formation the foundation has helped over 120 different charities and organisations to deliver a wide range of beneficial projects. These have included building and renovation work, installing play equipment, and funding vehicles – from minibuses to boats!

All charities in the greater Exeter area are eligible to apply for funds.

Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Fundraising

An example of a recent initiative that the Foundation worked on was the special ’MND Day’ held ahead of the Chief’s Premiership Rugby Cup clash against Gloucester on 4th December.

The event was organised in advance of the sad passing of Rugby legend Doddie Weir, however, following Doddie’s battle with Motor Neurone Disease coming to an end in November, the event took on an even greater significance.

The event was a huge success, with over £5,000 raised for three charitable MND organisations - the Exeter and East Devon Motor Neurone Disease Association, the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, and the 4Ed Campaign.

The Chiefs already had strong ties to the Exeter and East Devon Motor Neurone Disease Association and the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation - and were delighted to additionally support the 4Ed Campaign this time round. The 4Ed Campaign was set-up after Gloucester lock Ed Slater was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease earlier in 2022.

Tony Rowe OBE, Chairman of the Exeter Chiefs Foundation, said: "As a Foundation we have worked for a number of years with Exeter and East Devon Motor Neurone Disease Association as one of our designated charities, as well as supporting the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation as well. With that in mind, we also felt with it being Gloucester as our opponents that day, it was a great opportunity to not only help those two charities further with their much-needed fundraising, but at the same time assist the 4Ed Campaign as well.

"The whole day was about not only raising awareness of MND but, more importantly, raising funds to help the charities and aid research into the causes of MND and investigate potential cures.

“On behalf of the Foundation, I want to thank everyone who has given to these three magnificent causes, but a special mention to Patrick McCaig at Otter Brewery for helping raise an additional £555 from donations given by local brewers.”

Check out our Newsroom for further Exeter Chiefs updates.

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