Glentoran Social Partnership supported a major community outreach effort in Belfast city centre last night, funding 106 hot meals for people experiencing homelessness and food poverty. Defender Jarlath O’Rourke joined volunteers from the Partnership to serve the meals at Team HAVEN’s feeding station on Bridge Street.
Colin Jess, Chairperson of Glentoran Football Club, highlighted the ongoing work of the voluntary organisation. "Team HAVEN’s volunteers are in Belfast city centre six nights every week, offering food, practical help and compassion to people facing incredibly difficult circumstances," Jess said.
The initiative provided far more than just hot meals. Volunteers distributed 80 sandwich packs, 90 snack packs, traybakes, hot drinks, bottled water and woolly hats to those in need. The traybakes were donated by Robyn’s Sweet Boutique and the Partnership, while Lynas Foodservice supplied extra water. Westbourne provided kitchen space for meal preparation with assistance from Wilson Catering.
"We were proud to stand alongside them again last night and to fund 106 hot meals, as well as providing sandwich packs, snack packs and other essential items," Jess added. He also praised O’Rourke’s involvement, noting it reflected the club's wider commitment to its community.
This work forms a core part of the Glentoran Social Partnership’s programme, which engages over 3,500 people annually across East Belfast. The programme, which generates an estimated £2.9 million in social value each year, has been recognised with awards including the 2025 NIFL Club Community Initiative of the Year.
The community engagement comes as the first team prepares for its next Premiership fixture. Glentoran, currently seventh in the table with 10 points from eight games, host Carrick Rangers this Saturday. The team will be looking to build on their last result, a 2-1 win over Cliftonville, and improve a recent run of form that shows one win in their last five outings. The squad's involvement off the pitch continues to be a point of pride alongside the competitive efforts on it.
Read the full report at glentoran.com
