|
  Every year Rhinos are asked to donate to an important charity established in the memory one of our founding members , Guy Pearson a former British Officer in the Ghurkha Regiments. Before his untimely death Guy was a staunch supporter of the Ghurkha Welfare Trust a charity set up to aid thousands of Ghurkha ex Servicemen and their families where circumstances did not support the payment of British War Pensions.
The Rhinos Guy Pearson Memorial Ghurkha Welfare Pension Trust (GPMGWPT) supports 5 ex servicemen and two widows of ex servicemen and is the only support that saves them from destitution each year.
Ghurkhas began serving the UK in 1815 in India, and with Indian independence in 1947 became part of the British army. To join, would-be recruits have to complete a famously gruelling selection process in Nepal. They still carry into battle their traditional weapon - an 18-inch long curved knife known as the kukri.
In times past, it was said that once a kukri was drawn in battle, it had to "taste blood" - if not, its owner had to cut himself before returning it to its sheath.
Further Information on Gurkha Welfare Trust
If there was a minute's silence for every Gurkha casualty from World War 2 alone, we would have to keep quiet for two weeks. But silence will not help the living, the wounded and disabled, those without military pensions following World War 2 service or redundancy, or those left destitute by ill health or natural disasters. With their dependants, they number many thousands. They live in often harsh conditions, with no national health service, no public housing and no unemployment benefit. The Rhinos are proud supporters of the Gurkha Welfare Trust providing invaluable support to these proud soldiers.
In 1996 a number of Hong Kong police officers started Operation Breakthrough whereby children arrested & treated by way of a formal police warning, were taught boxing and sent on outward-bound courses. Over the years this has expanded to include children identified as being at risk by police, outreach social workers and school discipline masters. The scheme has also expanded to include many other activities such as rugby. The charity is funded through events and also by direct donations from many kind benefactors, including the Rhinos. Breakthrough’s mission is to provide sporting and other activities, including self-development courses, for young people who are at risk. It’s purpose is to help, rehabilitate and positively reinforce young people by steering them away from a life of crime and deterring first time offenders from re-offending.
The rugby programme where the Rhinos are involved has about 100 children registered and are entering U14, U16 and U19 teams in the youth leagues in Hong Kong. This year has also seen us start girls’ teams in the U16 and U19 competitions. Should you wish to know more about Breakthrough you can visit their website – www.breakthrough.hk
Additionally the Rhinos look for opportunities to assist the communities in many of the destinations we visit and to help foster local Rugby by the sponsorship of equipment.
|
