Charity Teams Up With Rugby Star and Guests For Christmas Lunch
Self Help Africa Northern Ireland, a charity that works in nine countries across sub-Saharan Africa to tackle poverty through sustainable initiatives, is hosting a special Christmas lunch this December at Kingspan Stadium.
The Gala Christmas Lunch with Rob Herring and guests, compered by sports presenter Stephen Watson, will be an event that allows guests to get up close and personal with the Ulster Rugby and Ireland player.
It will couple a festive lunch with sporting anecdotes in what is a Christmas event with a difference.
Ideal for corporate managers seeking to entertain their staff with something more unique or those individuals who want to mingle with their sporting heroes, the event, on December 8 will also raise funds for Self Help Africa Northern Ireland.
Funds raised will be used to support the charity’s programmes in Africa, including rural development and agri projects, as well projects aimed at alleviating poverty.
Speaking about the event, Denny Elliott, Head of Self Help Africa Northern Ireland, said: “We are honoured to be hosting this unique event for rugby fans this festive season.
“Self Help Africa Northern Ireland, like many other charities, has fallen victim to the restrictions of the pandemic and we are still working hard to recoup those losses during this financially difficult time. It is events like this that help us advance in our efforts to support those people who are in true need in sub-Saharan Africa, communities that have struggled even more given global events over the past few years.
“Tickets are on sale now and we would urge any interested parties to reserve theirs as soon as possible to not only enjoy a day of sports chat and good food but to aid a very worthy cause.”
Cape Town-born Rob Herring is Self Help Africa Northern Ireland’s Ambassador and signed for Ulster ahead of its 2012-13 season, initially used as a backup to former team captain Rory Best. He got his first opportunities when Best was on Ireland duty, after which accolades followed as well as shared captaincy during the 2016/17 season. Since Best’s retirement, Herring has been Ulster’s first choice hooker and made his 200th appearance for the team in October 2021. A popular international player, Herring also played all five of Ireland’s matches in the 2020 Six Nations Championship and scored Ireland’s winning try against the All Blacks this summer.
Rob said: “As Ambassador for Self Help Africa Northern Ireland I’m looking forward to this opportunity to meet fans of the game over a relaxed lunch while raising funds for the charity. I’m excited for the chat with Stephen Watson and hopefully it will give us a chance to entertain rugby fans who attend.”
Tickets for the gala Christmas Lunch at Kingspan Stadium on Thursday 8 December at 1pm are available by contacting [email protected].