basketballscotland launch ‘One More Basket’ support campaign

basketballscotland has today launched the ‘One More Basket’ campaign, calling on the Scottish basketball community to support each other, and local communities, as basketball continues to be postponed across the country.

As those within the community are unable to score baskets on the court, players – as well as coaches, officials, volunteers and clubs – are encouraged, where possible, to purchase a basket’s worth of food and other emergency supplies and make a donation to a local foodbank for those in need of some assistance in the coming days and weeks.

A list of items which are helpful for foodbanks includes: tinned fruit and vegetables, biscuits, long life fruit juice and milk, tinned potatoes, jam, sugar, tinned meat, cereals, baked beans, pasta sauces, tea and coffee, toilet roll, deodorant and shampoo.

Anyone wishing to participate in the campaign is encouraged to reach out to their local foodbank for advice on which items would be of most use at the present time.

In addition, the campaign aims to encourage those who are healthy and active to support vulnerable family members, friends and neighbours, volunteering to collect shopping and other essential items that may be required.

With basketball largely enjoyed by young, fit and active players across Scotland, it is hoped that the community will come together and display teamwork, unity and togetherness – key skills that can be utilised both on and off the court – to help each other through this uncertain period.

This sense of community will make the difference now more than ever as the government has instructed the most vulnerable members of the community to self-isolate for a period of 12 weeks.

Throughout the campaign, it is important for anyone willing to help that government advice and hygiene protocols are followed at all times in order to keep everyone as safe as possible. This includes leaving delivered food on the doorstep to ensure there’s always at least 2 metres between individuals, as well as washing hands before and after purchasing and delivering the food.

Several clubs and players have already taken to social media to offer assistance, with the campaign aiming to build on their kindness to further the support network available to those who need it most.

Kevin Pringle, CEO of basketballscotland, explained how heart-warming it has been for the organisation to see such a positive support network building within the basketball community:

“The Scottish basketball community has already come together brilliantly in these tough times and it’s been fantastic to see the support being made available for anyone who needs it. Our hope is the one more basket campaign encourages everyone who is able to lend a hand and play their part in making the uncertain times ahead as easy as they can possibly be for everyone within our local communities.”

Those willing to contribute are encouraged to share the message and show support online, with the hashtag #OneMoreBasket set up for the community to spread the word on the campaign and stay connected digitally.

To help with reaching out to neighbours, basketballscotland has also prepared a letter template which can be posted to neighbours to ask if they require any support. The template can be downloaded here.