The Glendale Raptors kicked off the 2013 Raptors in the Community campaign in January making their first Children’s Hospital visit.

7NEWS is a proud partner.

Both men and women squads are committed to helping organizations such as the National Sports Center for the Disabled, Dani’s Foundation, Kid’s Running America, plus many more by showing their continued support, involvement and dedication for non-profit groups.

Proactive dedication to community service is just one way the Glendale rugby family demonstrates camaraderie – a core value for the sport.
 

January and February were busy months for the Raptors. Volunteers from the men’s and women’s teams assisted the 7NEWS team at the Health and Fitness Expo in Littleton, Colorado, while promoting their upcoming season, Glendale’s youth program and the game of rugby as a whole. Players handed out information on the team and recruited some new youth players.  
 

The Raptors have committed to a partnership with Children’s Hospital, ensuring monthly bedside visits to the children, and hosting arts and crafts parties. The Raptors were at Children’s Hospital on January 31 to visit resident patients.

Players spent time with the children playing games, visiting with patient’s families and sharing their rugby knowledge. Many of the kids visited spend the majority of their time – if not all of it – in the hospital. Adding unfamiliar faces and breaks in their daily routines is always a welcomed surprise to the patients, who really enjoyed the Raptors visit.

During the snowstorm on February 21, four team members braved the blizzard to host the first arts and crafts party of the year during the 36 Hours for Kids Radio-thon. “We had a great time doing arts and crafts with the kids,” said fellow Raptor Jenna Anderson, “The parents really enjoyed it and thanked us for coming to see the kids on a snowy night.” The volunteer commitment with the hospital is just one of the many opportunities the players will be giving their time.

March is sure to be a busy month as well, with a lot of opportunities already scheduled. The Raptors will be referees at the Concerts for Kids Bowl-A-Thon on Monday, March 4 at the Lucky Strike lanes on 16^th St. Mall in the Pavilion. Some players are preparing to host a Rugby 101 Clinic for approximately 50 members of Big Brothers Big Sisters Colorado at Infinity Park on Saturday, March 9.
 

If you would like the Raptors to volunteer or appear at your non-profit event, please contact Kathleen McFadden 303-639-4412.

 
For more information on upcoming Raptors in the Community events, or to find out more about getting the Raptors involved with your non-profit organization or charitable event, please visit glendalerugby.com or contact Kathleen McFadden at kathleen@glendalerugby.com.