Kenyan kids benefit from Chiefs donation

By Mark Stevens
25/1/23

An Exeter Chiefs Season Ticket holder is helping spread the good name of the club to far foreign lands, thanks to his involvement with the hugely successful Atlas Foundation, which helps harness the values and community of rugby to support the world’s most disadvantaged children.

Established initially in 2014 by founder Jason Leonard, the former Harlequins, England and British & Irish Lions prop, the charity has since gone on to help children across the globe with projects in Argentina, Cambodia, India, Kenya, South Africa, Philippines and the USA.

Among those helping to aid the Atlas Foundation in their global quest is Exeter-based Mark Willing, who has travelled to Kenya with the charity, where he was able to hand over a number of old Chiefs match-day jerseys, supplied by the Gallagher Premiership club, to youngsters based around Nairobi.

“Wherever you go in the world, rugby has that special way of bringing people together,” explained Mark. “Working with the Atlas Foundation, I’ve been privileged to help make a real difference to so many youngsters.

“Taking the Chiefs jerseys over to Kenya was very special, not just because it was my local club, but to see the reaction on the faces of the people was something that will live with me forever. For a lot of the children, this was their first real introduction into rugby and its values. Seeing them pull on the jerseys and then play in matches, shows the difference that can be made through a simple gesture like this.”

Part of Mark’s work with the Atlas Foundation in Kenya was to also help deliver a mobile classroom to the Kibera slum.

The Atlas Foundation works directly with community organisations, giving them the long-term support and encouragement they need to deliver lasting change. Through these trusted partners, Atlas provides safety, education, food, physical activities, guidance and community to thousands of children around the world, giving them the skills, tools and confidence to thrive.

To find out more about the Atlas Foundation, click here