More than 4,000 people fed at Christmas by the Exeter Chiefs Foundation

The Exeter Chiefs Foundation has funded its largest ever Feeding the Community at Christmas campaign, ensuring that 1,100 people received a proper festive feast.

Working in partnership with Exeter Food Action (EFA), the Foundation funded the distribution of essential festive fare – including meat, mince pies and seasonal staples – to 16 different charities and community organisations, supporting people who might otherwise have gone without.

This year’s campaign also included an additional donation to homeless charity St Petrock’s, enabling the team there to serve even more hot festive meals for people experiencing homelessness.

Since launching Feeding the Community at Christmas, the Foundation has now helped provide more than 4,000 meals in total, making a lasting difference to people facing hardship at one of the most difficult times of year.

Tony Rowe CBE, Chairman of the Exeter Chiefs and the Exeter Chiefs Foundation, said: “Rugby clubs sit at the heart of their communities, and this is about doing the right thing. Knowing that 1,100 people were able to enjoy a festive meal this year – and that we’ve now helped deliver more than 4,000 meals overall – is something we’re incredibly proud of. This campaign is about dignity, care and making sure no one feels forgotten.”

Marc Astley, a Trustee of the Exeter Chiefs Foundation, added: “This campaign is only possible thanks to the incredible generosity of our supporters. Donations from fans on match days, alongside a wide range of fundraising activities throughout the year, all help make a real difference. Every pound raised goes back into the community, and this is a brilliant example of that support in action.”

Exeter Food Action, which coordinated the storage and distribution of food across the city, said the Foundation’s backing was crucial.

Wendy Kearns, EFA Volunteer Co-ordinator, said: “The continued support from the Exeter Chiefs Foundation makes a huge difference. It allows us to get good-quality festive food out to charities and community organisations who are on the frontline every day. The scale of this year’s campaign has been incredible, and the impact on people’s lives is very real.”

Emma Jones, Head of Community Relations at St Petrock’s, said the donation would ease pressure at a critical time.

She explained: “Christmas is always a huge challenge for us, with demand rising and resources under real pressure. This support from the Exeter Chiefs Foundation has made this so much more manageable this year and meant we could focus on providing warm meals, care and dignity to people who need it most.”

By working closely with frontline organisations, the campaign ensured festive food reached families, individuals and people experiencing homelessness at a time when demand on local charities remains high.

The Exeter Chiefs Foundation says it remains committed to tackling food insecurity and supporting communities year-round, with Feeding the Community at Christmas firmly established as one of its flagship initiatives.