News

The Rangers Charity Foundation has brought Christmas cheer and companionship to those who need it most by taking part in the biggest ever Festive Friends programme during the holiday season.

90 local senior citizens were invited for a 3 course meal in Ibrox hospitality, Christmas bingo, a performance from St Paul’s High School choir and even the chance to meet Rangers FC legends Willie Henderson, Marvin Andrews and Gordon Durie.

One guest commented:

“I have a couple of other small things in the diary but this event today – this is my real Christmas”

Linda Sinclair, Foundation Senior Operations Executive for the Foundation said:

“The pandemic has been hard for everyone but we are well aware of the effects of social isolation on older people and were delighted to welcome local senior citizens back to Ibrox spoil them today.”

The programme is now in its sixth year, with a record 41 SPFL clubs taking part this Year. Almost 4,000 people have enjoyed an event in the last five years nationally and last year, when it was not possible to hold events due to physical distancing rules, over 2,800 people receiving Christmas hampers in doorstep visits. Hampers contained food, snacks, essential toiletries, gifts, games and more. 

SPFL Trust CEO, Nicky Reid, said: “Festive Friends is a real highlight of the year for me and my colleagues at SPFL clubs. It’s all about good old fashioned Christmas spirit – bringing club staff and volunteers together to reach elderly people who are at risk of social isolation. Scottish football is trusted to support, and our recent research shows that almost 83% of people live within ten miles of a SPFL ground – because of this clubs and their associated community trusts are well positioned to effect this type of change in their communities.

“This year 41 SPFL clubs are involved making it our biggest programme yet, supported by a record breaking fund of £100,000. We look forward to supporting more elderly people than ever before, after all kindness never mattered more.”

We also delivered hampers full of Christmas goodies to the homes of some older folk who were not able to attend on the day, including 101 year old Jean Wilson and her sister! 

For more information on Festive Friends visit: www.spfltrust.org.uk/festivefriends