Long time Russell Anderson Foundation (RAF) supporter CNR International has extended its involvement with the charity with confirmation as the ‘Riverbank Skills Hub’ partner, sponsoring cooking, food and nutrition at the newly constructed school for the next three years.
CNR International managing director Barry Duncan believes the initiative can bring lifelong benefits. “At CNR International, being an Outstanding Corporate Citizen is one of our core values, so we are delighted to strengthen our relationship with the Russell Anderson Foundation by supporting the Skills Hubs initiative at Riverbank Primary School.
"The Skills Hub empowers the children to work together, learning about important life skills and practices such as the importance of healthier, affordable eating and nutrition, better sleeping routines and ultimately sharing these skills and knowledge with siblings and the whole family."
RAF founder Russell added: “This is a wonderful gesture from Barry and the team and one that will make a real fundamental difference to our pupils and their families. CNR have been such an important supporter to RAF over the years and we are thrilled with this latest partnership at Riverbank, that complements the other great work they do including staff assisting with volunteering at our regular camps and festivals.”
Formed in 2012, the Russell Anderson Foundation began by delivering free football sessions to children in some of the more socially deprived areas of the city. These days, what RAF does encompasses so much more than just football. The whole ethos of the Foundation is to empower children to make good decisions and give them a chance to reach their potential.
RAF works with over 2000 children on a weekly basis across its partner schools in the city and, although a large part of the work remains focused on health and well-being and being physically active, RAF also works with the schools in other areas to improve attainment levels and help with better outcomes for the pupils.
This includes practical cooking lessons, food support, mentoring programmes, workplace visits and employability opportunities to name some of the programmes RAF is currently delivering.