Community cooking and local rugby come together through unique sponsorship

A Bedford resident is bringing together his passion for community cookery and local rugby by linking his support for Food etc with his sponsorship of Bedford Blues Women player Laura Stephens.

Colin Haine, who volunteers for Bedford-based charitable organisation Food etc, has found a way to combine his interests in food and rugby by making Food etc Laura’s credited sponsor, helping to raise the charity’s profile both on and off the pitch.

Food etc empowers people to make better food choices by teaching them how to cook affordable, tasty and healthy meals from scratch. Through practical cookery workshops, the charity helps people of all ages and backgrounds develop valuable cooking skills, build confidence and discover how to make the most of their food budgets.

By connecting Food etc with Laura’s rugby career, Colin hopes to introduce their work to new audiences and encourage more people and businesses to support what they are doing in and around Bedford.

The sponsorship means Food etc will receive recognition through Laura’s association with Bedford Blues Women, providing an opportunity to raise awareness of the charity among rugby supporters and the wider sporting community.

Colin’s initiative is an example of how individuals can use their own interests, connections and existing commitments to make a difference to a cause they care about. Rather than simply supporting a player, he has found a way to extend that support to a local charity whose work benefits people across Bedford and the surrounding area.

Food etc relies on the generosity of volunteers, funders and business supporters to deliver its cookery workshops and reach more people. Support can take many forms, from giving time and providing ingredients or equipment to fundraising and helping spread the word about the charity’s work.

Julie Clay, founder and director of Food etc, said: “We’re delighted that Colin has found such a creative way to combine his support for Food etc and for women’s rugby through his sponsorship of Laura.

“Raising awareness is incredibly important to us, and having our name associated with Bedford Blues Women gives us an opportunity to reach people who may not otherwise know about our work. It’s a great example of how people can use their own networks and interests to support a local charity and help us make a difference in the community.”

Laura Stephens commented: “I am extremely grateful to Colin and Food etc for their support this season at Bedford Blues Women.

“The work Food etc do in Bedford is really inspiring and I’m looking forward to seeing how I can support them too this season.

“Here’s to another successful campaign for Bedford Blues Women.”