Bradford Bulls – rescued from the brink of oblivion by the community during their recent cash crisis – yesterday gave something back.

The Super League club was embroiled in a financial meltdown last year, which saw supporters rally round to raise £500,000 during a Quest for Survival campaign.

The entire first-team squad, coaching staff and directors and employees spent yesterday morning cleaning, cooking and serving meals to vulnerable members of the community at the Immanuel Project.

Based at St Mary’s Church in East Parade, the voluntary organisation was formed in 2010 and provides food, care and support to the homeless and vulnerable people of Bradford.

Bulls players and staff served breakfast and prepared lunch for up to 150 of the project’s regulars. They wore white T-shirts adorning the ‘BELONG’ campaign logo in the first of a number of community-based events at the club.

Bulls chief executive Robbie Hunter-Paul said: “Last year the club turned to the public for help and they responded on a massive scale to raise half a million pounds. We believe it’s a two-way thing and we want to start giving something back. Today is just the start.”

Janet Bannister, founder and manager of the Immanuel Project, said: “Our regulars are the forgotten people of Bradford and the visit from the Bulls is amazing for their self-confidence. It makes them feel special and cared for – they will talk about this day forever.”

James Bowers, 36, served eight years for manslaughter and became hooked on Class A drugs during his time in prison. He turned to Christianity and the Immanuel Project after the wife of the man he had killed in a road accident paid him a visit.

Mr Bowers, who lives on a flat in Manchester Road, said: “The fella’s wife came to see me and she actually kissed me on both cheeks and said she would forgive me. I’ve been involved here since the day I got out of jail and it’s been brilliant. I’ve been clean from drugs for four years now.”

Lisa Allen, of Bradford, is a 40-year-old reformed heroin and crack cocaine addict, who has similarly turned her life around since becoming a regular at the Immanuel Project three years ago.

She said: “I was heavily into drugs and ended up losing everything – my three beautiful daughters, my home and my dignity. I was looking for a way out so I started coming here for something to eat. It has transformed my life.

“It has taken time, but I’m back in touch with my children now thanks to the Lord Jesus Christ and the people here, who never stopped loving me even though I was unlovable.”

Bulls coach Francis Cummins, whose squad began pre-season training yesterday afternoon, said: “I’ve always said that I want the lads to improve as people as well as rugby players. Coming here today has certainly made them appreciate the bigger picture in life.”

Bull star Jamie Foster said: “As players, we tend to live in a bubble and sometimes we think things are tough, but nothing like this. “It’s definitely been an eye-opener to see how people lead different lives and is great to be able to give something back.”