Dylan and his rugby club become Santa’s helpers
For the third year in a row, 20-year-old Dylan Viles is fundraising to buy presents and food vouchers for struggling families this Christmas.
Dylan, who has played for Eastbourne Rugby Club for nearly 15 years, began his now annual fundraiser in 2021.
“I was listening to the radio at work and heard an advert for a big company who was fundraising for Christmas gifts for struggling families. I decided I wanted to do something too, so instead of Christmas presents, I asked my family and friends to donate to a fund and I used the money to buy Christmas presents for kids.
“I wanted to make sure as many children as possible do not go without and have a gift to unwrap on Christmas morning and I’m at the age I don’t really need presents.”
Dylan, who plays on the wing, raised £350 that first year to go to those who needed it. He didn’t shout about what he had done, but eventually some fellow Eastbourne 1st XV teammates found out and Senior Head Coach, Adrian Norwood suggested he joined forces with the club to raise even more the following year.
By advertising the fundraiser through posters at the rugby club and taking donations behind the bar during socials and big games, Dylan and the club raised more than £2,000 in 2022, which went to the Salvation Army and Eastbourne foodbank.
This year, Dylan and his rugby club are hoping to raise even more. They’ve set a target of £2,500 and are well on their way thanks to the generosity of the members at Eastbourne, particularly Adrian Thompson, a teammate’s father, who donated £1,000 this year and did the same last year too.
To donate to the cause, visit Dylan’s JustGiving site by Friday 8th December.
