West Ham United players support local food bank charity

WEST Ham United goalkeepers Łukasz Fabiański and Kinga Szemik made a surprise appearance in East London to kick off the festive season, as part of the Club’s ongoing partnership with Irons Supporting Foodbanks.

Reuniting with Irons Supporting Foodbanks founder John Ratomski, Fabiański visited Community Food Enterprise, a Newham-based charity, to sort through a £2,000 pallet of match day food donations from Hammers fans.

The shot-stopper then teamed up with fellow Poland international Szemik at Bonny Downs Community Association, to deliver the food and footballs to volunteers and children supported by the Community Centre, who were overjoyed by the visit of the Hammers.

The pair were not the only surprise for the children, as the Club’s mascot Bubbles the Bear also joined the event, with the Clubs iconic anthem (I’m forever Blowing Bubbles) on full blast and a bubble machine to boot.

Since Ratomski set up Irons Supporting Foodbanks five years ago, they have gone from supporting six foodbanks to more than 100, as well as community groups and homeless centres from Poplar to Colchester.

Iron Supporting Foodbanks founder, John Ratomski said:

“It’s always great to have the involvement and support of the Club for what we do, especially as we head into Christmas and the weather gets colder.

“The Clubs helped us out, they gave us a fair amount of surplus clothing, as well as clothing from Umbro, all new, and we distribute these to the homeless, to community groups, to kids.

“We can only do this with the generosity of football fans, its down to them and we are so grateful.””

Co-director of Bonny Downs Community Association, Stacey Cordery echoed the sentiment of Ratomski:

“It was a joy to have the West Ham players come to our WELLcome hub, where we run our foodbank, she said. Our partnership with Irons Supporting Foodbanks means that we can continue supporting the most vulnerable, thanks to the generosity of Hammers fans.

“Seeing West Ham players actively supporting this initiative makes us feel seen and recognised for our vital poverty relief work in the East End of London.””

West Ham United mens team goalkeeper, Łukasz Fabiański shares his support:

“I had a chance to do something similar a couple of years ago and I had a chance to meet John, and I realised how great a job he’s doing for the local community.

“When I heard about this happening, I was really looking forward to it, not only to see John again but to have a chance to see Kinga as well.

“Since I joined West Ham, the Club has been crazy about supporting the local community, and each year I think they just grow in terms of how much they want to provide for and help people.

“Its something so nice and special, and I’m just happy to be a part of it.””

Despite only joining West Ham United womens team in the summer, womens team goalkeeper, Kinga Szemik has seen how much the Club wants to support those in need.

In the wake of catastrophic floods in Poland in September, Szemik contacted the Club, and West Ham raised donations and food to help the people in her home country – which showed her the strength of the community in east London.

Kinga Szemik said:

“Honestly, I really appreciate the work that’s being done by all the volunteers and people helping the community. Its very important.

“Everyones been really nice, the atmospheres great so hopefully some good will come out of this.

“Meeting the fans are the little things that don’t have a price tag. You have these little moments with people that make their day or week. For you, it doesn’t seem a big thing to do, but for them it’s a big deal and I think we should remember that.

“We can make the world a better place by doing those small things.

“For me, any time I’ll be able to help on my side, and bring anything they need, I’ll be there. Because when I asked, they were there for me as well.””

For more information on Irons Supporting Foodbanks and how you can support them, please visit their website.