SCRUM Charities

Hearts & Balls

Hearts and Balls brings immense pleasure and a sense of community to millions of people. But, occasionally, it brings tragedy instead  like many other sports. Though it happens very rarely, injuries can be serious and life-changing. Hearts and Balls aims to ensure that, in times of need, those connected with rugby are supported by the wider rugby community. Since 1999 they have supported over 30 players and their families.

This support has taken many forms financial and non-financial, short-term and long-term. If you yourself have suffered a serious injury on the rugby field, or are suffering as a result of an injury to a loved one, they may be able to support you too.

On the other hand, you may be able to support them. If you’d like to donate money, or join a fundraising event then get in touch.

For more information: www.heartsandballs.org.uk

Wooden Spoon

Wooden Spoon exists to improve the quality and prospect of life for children and young people who are disadvantaged physically, mentally or socially. It is rugby’s charity, with more than 10,000 members, set up within the spirit and values of the game to give young people in need a chance to achieve their full potential in life.

The Scottish committee of Wooden Spoon undertakes numerous high profile social and sporting fundraising activities and ensures that the money is spent on projects across Scotland. The benefit of their work is always immediate, visible and lasting.

For more information: www.woodenspoon.com

The Bill McLaren Foundation

Bill McLaren was a man who represented all that is best about rugby union. He was known as “The Voice of Rugby” not just because of the beauty of his tone and the delight of his imaginative phrasing, but because he portrayed our game as we would always wish it to be.

The Charitable Foundation has been set up to raise funds to support the development of rugby and its values and also to recognise the contribution Bill McLaren made to rugby through education and the development of an interpretative centre including Bills extensive archive including his big sheets.

The foundation has been set up in Bill’s name, and with the support of his family, which we invite you to help establish. Your support will serve three purposes :

To develop and promote the sport of rugby union and its values

To encourage and provide sporting opportunities for young people

To create an educative centre which will include the Bill McLaren Archive

For more information: www.billmclarenfoundation.co.uk

Dreamz4U

Dreamz 4U is a charity that was set up in 2007 by well-known rugby man Jimmy Michie to help young people across Scotland.

They make the dreams come true for children with a various array of illnesses ranging from cystic fibrosis to down syndrome and brain tumors.

They have been making the kids dreams come true at an average of 10 a month, until now when the dreams are now coming in thick and fast.

The Pigbarians RFC are an invitational charity rugby team representing Dreamz4U and The SCRUM appears on their shirts.

Formed in 2007 by Michie, ‘The Pigs’ have competed successfully in many tournaments and charity games across Scotland and had the likes of ex-Scotland international, British Lion and SCRUM columnist Scott Hastings, Ben Fisher, Rory Coupar (both ex-Boroughmuir), Max Learmonth (Heriot’s) Richie Maxton (Hamilton) Ben Di Rollo (Watsonians) and Willie Lipp (London Scottish) representing the infamous pink, white and black colours.

For more information: www.dreamz4u.org

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