A cadet bringing a smile to his community

Cadet Kyle McBride, from Crosby Detachment of the Irish Guards, has become a local hero by co-ordinating the donations and delivery food, clothes and other essential items to his community.

While chatting across the fence early in lockdown, Cdt McBride discovered that his elderly neighbour was struggling because he didn’t have a fridge to keep his food fresh. He was upset that the man was having to shop daily, so he asked his mother to put a request out on social media to help him. Two days later, they had a fridge to deliver!

Spurred on by offers of help for his neighbour, Cdt McBride worked with his mum to start a social media campaign, encouraging people to check on vulnerable neighbours and to donate anything they could to help local people in need.

With his parents’ agreement, Cdt McBride found himself collecting and delivering food, clothing, kettles, microwaves, towels, nappies, toiletries and toys.

The idea has grown from there. The family were asked to help with items for a mother and child refuge and other struggling families.

Kyle sorts through every donation and packages them up with a hand-written letter which starts with “here is a gift from all of us”.

Once the parcels are ready to go, Cadet McBride then hands them over to his parents for delivery.

Kyle’s mum is especially proud. She says:

“He was so quiet until he joined the Army Cadets, even his teachers have commented that his confidence has grown since joining. I don’t mind that our living room has now become Kyle’s sorting office, I am just so proud.”