Stars of The British & Irish Lions joined others in the global rugby family to participate in The Atlas Foundation’s festive fundraising campaign, the XV Days of Christmas.
A twist on the traditional 12 days of Christmas, the campaign involved everyone in the global rugby family, with participants spanning from Lions legends to community players in an effort to raise much-needed funds for their local partners around the world.
The campaign has now finished, with people across the world sharing their favourite Christmas memories as well as daily videos from rugby stars and local rugby clubs.
Alongside the global rugby family, Atlas posted videos from children supported by their local partners. The children discussed the impact that Atlas and their partners have had on their lives, from giving the children regular hot meals, education and medical support to introducing them to the game of rugby – giving them confidence, enjoyment, leadership experience and friendship.
The children also shared their hopes and dreams for the future, with some wanting to become doctors, teachers and travel guides, while others wanted to continue playing rugby and for the programme to help other children just like them.
Atlas had a star-studded rugby line-up supporting this campaign, including Lions legends James Haskell, Will Greenwood, Maro Itoje, Shane Byrne, Simon Shaw and British & Irish Lions chairman Jason Leonard, who is also Atlas’ founder and chairman.
I am pleased to launch @TheAtlasCharity #XVDays of Christmas Appeal.
Please support children we help from around the world by sharing your own Xmas memory & if you are able make a donation at https://t.co/AjRABs2y18 pic.twitter.com/jkHPkksmIs— Jason Leonard (@JasonLeonard114) December 13, 2021
Over the course of 15 days, Atlas have raised £18,000 to support some of the world’s poorest children living in the most vulnerable communities around the world. Atlas know the significant impact this money will have, giving children the skills and confidence they need to thrive in a very different future.
Atlas would like to thank everyone that supported the campaign. Whether you watched and liked the videos, uploaded your own or donated, we couldn’t have done this without you.
There’s still time to donate. Please visit www.xvdays.com to view all the videos and donate.
